City Council

Steelton Borough Council Meeting June 21, 2010 The regular monthly meeting was called to order at 6:33pm by President Jeffrey 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 (arrived late) Dennis Heefner Maria R. Marcinko Raymond Spencer Michael Albert Mayor Thomas Acri John M. DeSanto, Jr., Secretary Treasurer Kathy Sosnowski, Executive Administrative Assistant Dennise Hill, Neighborhood & Economic Development Coordinator Sylvia Zell, Code Enforcement Officer APPROVAL OF MINUTES: On a motion made by Mr. Albert, seconded by Mrs. Marcinko, Council Members present unanimously voted to approve the April 20, 2010 Finance Meeting minutes and the May 17, 2010 Council minutes. The May 3, 2010 Council minutes were also approved upon correction of page 3 – John DeSanto was added to Resolution 2010-R-18 Presentation, while Stephen Shaver was deleted due to his absence from that meeting. 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: Unanimously approved with notes below. APPROVAL OF DEPARTMENT REPORTS: Neighborhood & Economic Development. Fire and Ambulance Personnel Police Public Works - Mr. Heefner questioned the timeframe for the snow blower repair reported at the April Finance Meeting. On a motion made by Mr. Albert or Mr. Spencer and seconded by Mr. Heefner. It was agreed to re-present this issue at the August Finance Meeting. Code Enforcement 1 Steelton Borough Council Meeting June 21, 2010 Mayor’s Report – He received a thank you card from Kathy Handley, which he will pass around at the end of the meeting. He also congratulated Dennise Hill and Chief Spangler for Grant Approval for one (1) police officer. A motion was made to add these comments to the minutes by Mr. Spencer, seconded by Mr. Albert. PUBLIC COMMENT: Agenda Items Only There were no comments. DEVIATION FROM AGENDA Mr. Wright deviated from the agenda and moved to page 3 for Mr. Edward Ellinger, PE to address council about two issues. The Adams Street townhouse development is now in its second stage (utility design/storm water runoff, etc.) A motion to approve and sign documents was made by Mr. Heefner, seconded by Mr. Albert or Mr. Spencer. Mr. Ellinger then presented an update on the status of the East End Sewer Separation Project. Settlement was with Penn Vest on June 8, 2010. He then thanked Borough Council and staff, Tim Holden, Tim Smith and Mike Musser for their support. He also stated that there will be an informative meeting held on Wednesday, June 23, 2010 at 1:30pm in Council chambers. Mr. Heefner and Mrs. Marcinko were invited to attend. Mr. Ellinger also stated that someone from HRG (either himself or Jason Saylor) will be at Council Meetings every month to apply for reimbursement from Penn Vest. He requested that council approve and file the necessary paperwork for payment #1 of $514,002.90. Mr. Heefner questioned where the lay down area is going to be? He also asked for the status of the Blueberry Alley/Washington Street projects. Mr. Ellinger stated that the Blueberry project is ready to bid. HRG needs to talk to Mr. Conjar more about the Washington Street project. Mike Musser added that the project should include not only Front-to-Second Street, but also Second-to-Third Street. Mrs. Marcinko also requested if the residents could please be notified ahead of time as to what will occur. It was stated that the contractor is responsible for that notification. A decision will be made at the June 23 meeting as to when a meeting with residents will occur. Mr. Wright would like another member to attend the June 23 meeting, in addition to Mr. Heefner and Mrs. Marcinko. If no other member can go, Mr. Wright will attend; otherwise he will stand back and let someone else go. Motion to file for reimbursement from Penn Vest made by Mrs. Marcinko, seconded by Mr. Albert. 2 Steelton Borough Council Meeting June 21, 2010 COMMUNICATION: Valerie Simmons, The PROGRAM – Recognition of Sylvie Zell for her work in providing an Occupancy Permit for their Promise Place facility. A motion was made by Mrs. Marcinko, seconded by Mr. Albert to place the letter in Ms. Zell’s personnel file. Andrew Lumpkin, President and the Board of Club 320 – Letter of support and a $150 donation for SBCC (Steelton Borough Community Cats) Trap, Spay, and Neuter Feral Cat program. Mrs. Marcinko said their check has been deposited, as well as another $150 check from the Steelton Italian Club and donations from many other residents of Steelton and the surrounding area. Ryan Lee Mohn Memorial Foundation – Letter requesting Borough support of their 7th annual Ryan Mohn Walk on Saturday, August 14, 2010 including utilizing street and fire police. Mr. Shaver made a motion, seconded by Mr. Albert to provide all support given to this cause in past years, including fire police, tents, walkie-talkies, etc. Mr. Leonard F Yablon¸Resident – Letter of appreciation on behalf of Sylvie Zell for her work as our Borough Codes Officer. Motion made by Mrs. Marcinko, seconded by Mr. Shaver to place the letter in Ms. Zell’s personnel file. Ms. Afrah M. Howlader, 5th Grader – Letter to Mayor Acri regarding her ideas on the Borough going green. Mr. DeSanto read the letter to all in attendance. Mr. Wright asked that someone respond on behalf of council; the mayor stated that he has tried to contact Afrah, but has not been successful. He will continue to attempt to contact her. John M. DeSanto, Jr. – Request for Certificate of Completion of Management Skills for New Managers Course, May 26-27, 2010 be placed in his personnel file. Motion made by Mr. Shaver, seconded by Mr. Albert. John M. DeSanto, Jr. – Request for Certificate of Completion of Essential Skills for First Time Managers and Supervisors Course, June 6-7, 2010 also be placed in his file. Motion made by Mr. Spencer, seconded by Mrs. Marcinko. Dan Hall, P.E., for Dura-Bond,LLC – Application for an air quality permit to EPA Air Quality Program under PA Code 127.43a. Mr. Shaver requested that Mrs. Zell check to see if they applied for permits. 3 Steelton Borough Council Meeting June 21, 2010 Mr. Wright reminded Council through a letter from Mr. William Green of the Cole Crest Reunion on June 26, 2010 from 11:00am to 7:00pm. Mr. Shaver motioned, seconded by Mr. Spencer; approved by all. Chief Spangler and Mr. DeSanto were requested to take action on this event. UNFINISHED BUSINESS: There was no unfinished business presented. NEW BUSINESS: Mr. Richard Olszewski, Resident – Addressed council with concerns on tax levels facing prospective builders in the Borough. – Purchased property on Ridge St. on which to build 2 sets of duplexes. Complained that taxes would be $4,000/year or $321/month – on a $90,000 town home, the tax and mortgage payment would almost be the same. Suggested that a variance for 5 units instead of 4 would decrease the cost per unit. Mrs. Marcinko indicated that she understands his situation as she also owns rental property in the Borough, and that the school board is responsible for the extra cost. The mayor argued that the school is not responsible; our charges are the same as theirs. All agreed that other units in Steelton aren’t paying as much; that county assessments aren’t fair/even. No action was taken on the requested variance. Mr. William Smeigh, PA Property Associates – Presented offer for Council to purchase 22 and/or 253 Adams Street at fair market value. Mr. Smeigh realizes that 22 Adams Street falls just outside redevelopment lines (next to Wallace Funeral Home), but indicates that the building is being vandalized by local teens. It was agreed that the NCEDC should review the situation. Mr. DeSanto stated that the appraisal value is the highest the Borough could pay. Mr. Heefner asked why we weren’t aware of the property? Mr. Wright turned the matter over to the NCEDC. He also wanted to make everyone aware that the funeral home was purchased with Community Development Block Grant funds; no taxpayer funds were used. John DeSanto, Jr. – Presented Resolution 2010-R-20 acknowledging and supporting CREDC’s application to PA Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) seeking funding for a new enterprise zone for Cumberland and Dauphin counties. Mr. DeSanto stated that Mr. Wion reviewed the resolution and supports it. Mr. Shaver asked if DCED reviewed it; Mr. Wright said council should trust Mr. Wion’s judgment. Mr. Shaver made a motion to approve; Mr. Albert seconded. 4 Steelton Borough Council Meeting June 21, 2010 John DeSanto, Jr. – Presented Ordinance No. 2010-2 amending the Code of the Borough of Steelton Chapter 110 “Vehicles and Traffic”. Mr. Shaver indicated that the updates looked okay; Mrs. Marcinko motioned to approve, Mr. Shaver seconded. John DeSanto, Jr. – Presented Ordinance No. 2010-3 to vacate Jones Alley in the Borough between the southwestern line of Daron Alley and the northeastern line of lands of the Monumental AME Church. Mr. Heefner motioned to approve, Mr. Albert or Mr. Spencer seconded. Stephen Shaver/Personnel Committee – recommend that Rosemarie L. Paul be appointed Assistant Treasurer full time at a salary of $35,000 with full benefits. Pay is to be retroactive to June 5, 2010. Mr. Shaver motioned to approve, Mr. Albert seconded. Stephen Shaver/Personnel Committee – recommended that Nicole Salov be appointed as Accounts Payable Clerk full time at $14.50 per hour with full benefits. Mr. Shaver stated that 7 interviews were conducted for this Union position. Ms. Salov is scheduled to start on Tuesday, July 6, 2010. Mr. Spencer made a motion to approve; Mr. Shaver seconded. Mr. Shaver requested a letter of support of the Fire Co. software package through the Dauphin County Casino Grant Fund. Move to sign letter – motion made by Mrs. Marcinko, seconded by Mr. Shaver. Mr. Shaver also stated his concern of the traffic flow/movement on Swatara Street. Asked to establish a three-way stop at 4th and Swatara Sts. for a 90-day test period. (“Children at Play” and “Slow Down” signs haven’t worked.) Motion to approve by Mr. Heefner; seconded by Mr. Albert; all in favor. Mr. Heefner thanked council for all their help as a resident of Swatara St. OTHER BUSINESS: Mr. DeSanto, Borough Secretary/Treasurer – Request an Executive Session to discuss personnel matters, land acquisition and potential litigation issues. AUDIENCE PARTICIPATION: Jeanne Barr, 349 S. 4th St. felt that if a 3-way stop could be put up at 4th and Swatara, then why can’t one be put up at S. 4th and Stikle? Many kids play in that area all the time; one of them is going to get hit! She was told that the Borough is already conducting a traffic study in that area from her last request. 5 Steelton Borough Council Meeting June 21, 2010 Ms. Barr also complained that the light at Locust Street is 8-10 minutes long and wanted to know why. If the light cannot be shortened, could folks be aloud to make a right turn on red. Recommendation was for her to call Penn DOT as they regulate these things. Ms. Barr also wanted to know if the fire department would have more chicken barbecues AND have more chicken available. Mr. Gene Vance indicated another barbecue is scheduled for July 24, 2010. Ron Sparks – representing three churches: Monumental AME, Mt. Zion and New Hope – informed council of a Block Party from Locust to Walnut St on Second Street on August 21, 2010 from 2:00pm to 6:00pm. Five hundred (500) book bags with supplies will be given away. Emuel Powell, 321 Lincoln St., complained that people are congregating outside the barber shop on Front Street between Locust and Pine Streets; so bad that he has had to walk in the street to get by. Chief Spangler was asked to check on this situation. Ms. Barr again addressed Council that motorists don’t stop at the pedestrian crosswalks on Front Street. She was reminded that the borough has placed portable signs, cones, etc. there, only to have them stolen/broken. We can’t afford to keep replacing them. COUNCIL CONCERNS: Mrs. Marcinko said that during her police ride-alongs, she was very amazed at all that goes on in the Borough. She also asked that better lighting be installed near the store at 4th and Poplar Streets. She also informed council that Dan Walmer of the Patriot news conducted an interview with the cat volunteers; an article should be forthcoming in the newspaper. Thirdly, she said she and Mrs. Zell have discussed the serious trash problem in River Alley, most noticeably from Pine Street to Mohn St. Lastly, she congratulated Chief Vance on his retirement from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania after an impressive 37 ½ years. Mr. Heefner suggested that council table the discussion on alternate energy/PPL since we are out of peak season; we wouldn’t get a great rate now anyway. (He asked Mr. DeSanto 3-to-4 weeks ago to keep him informed of the progress with Mr. Wion so the situation could be worked out to be included in tonight’s agenda.) Mr. Shaver suggested we bring back the discussion in the fall (Sept./Oct.) since Mr. Wion is working on contractual questions/arrangements, etc. 6 Steelton Borough Council Meeting June 21, 2010 Mr. Wright has called Mr. Wion and Mr. Wion has some issues with this arrangement with Gexa; has contract concerns with them; has had discussions with Mr. Frazier explained to him that we have to be prudent. If Mr. Wion has concerns about the contract, was he aware of the timeframe? (Mr. DeSanto responded that he did.) Also, if we had a deadline for approval by this body and Mr. Wion had concerns, it should have been efficient that someone (Mr. DeSanto or some other appointed person) could have handled the situation within the timeframe. Mr. DeSanto indicated that no action was taken at the last meeting (5/17/10). Mr. Wright stated that was over a month ago; we didn’t have a meeting the first Monday of the month. Since the seven (7) persons of this council make the decisions; the situation should have been brought back in a timely manner; even if we had to schedule a special meeting. Mr. Shaver asked Mr. Heefner where the county went for their energy project. Mr. Heefner stated that they didn’t purchase cheaper electricity; they incorporated green operations. Also, if Mr. Heefner would have been kept in the loop, he could have talked to Dave Wion and saved the borough a lot of money. Mr. Heefner then brought up two previous issues: 1) the Boat Dock Pavilion and 2) the Locust Street steps. These projects were discussed in April and everything was in place to move ahead to have the pavilion done for summer. Mr. Heefner also stated that if there was an issue, to let him know and he’d push the buttons to get this done. The pavilion should have been done by now and Snyder Electric has been asking why we didn’t have “as builds” built yet. Where are we at with this? Mr. Heefner asked Mr. DeSanto why the pavilion/lighting wasn’t done and why the steps were not done. Mr. DeSanto indicated that funds were just received a few days ago from a grant provided by State Representative Ron Buxton. Mr. Heefner said that funds were left over from the initial project to purchase the pavilion. Mayor made several comments which did not get recorded. Ms. Hill reminded all of the upcoming community events: 6/26 – Community day on Wood St. 8/3 - National Night Out, 6-8pm 8/21 – Tri-Ministry Event (Rev. Sparks) 2nd Sat. in Oct. – Prayer Walk Mrs. Marcinko asked to have Ms. Hill talk to Borough Public Works Department to have community service workers pick up trash in River Alley from Pine Street to Mohn Street. The Mayor said he would extend the pick-up to the end of Steelton. The regular meeting recessed into executive session at 7:55 p.m., to discuss personnel matters, land acquisition and potential litigation issues. 7 The meeting reconvened at 8:50 p.m. ADJOURNMENT: There being no other business before Council, on a motion by Mrs. Marcinko, seconded by Mr. Albert, the meeting adjourned at 8:58 p.m. . Respectfully submitted, ________________________________ ______________________________ John M. DeSanto, Jr. Kathy I. Sosnowski Borough Secretary Executive Administrative Assistant 8