City Council

Steelton Borough Council Meeting July 19, 2010 The regular monthly meeting was called to order at 6:32 p.m. by President, Jeffery Wright, with the pledge of allegiance, followed by a moment of silence. In Attendance: Absent: Dennis Heefner MaryJo Szada Jeffery Wright Maria Marcinko Stephen Shaver Michael Albert Raymond Spencer Mayor Thomas Acri David A. Wion, Solicitor John DeSanto, Secretary/Treasurer Kathy Sosnowski, Executive Administrative Assistant APPROVAL OF MINUTES: On a motion made by Mr. Heefner, seconded by Ms. Marcinko, Council Members present voted unanimously to approve the minutes from June 21, 2010, as presented. EXECUTIVE SESSION HELD BETWEEN MEETINGS: Mr. DeSanto said he has nothing to report at this time. APPROVAL OF DEPARTMENT REPORTS: Community Development Finance Fire and Ambulance Personnel Police Public Works –1) Mr. Heefner reported that the department met on Thursday about the East End Sewer Separation Project. It is set for an August 1st start date (residents will begin to see contractors, machines, etc.); 2) Street sign replacement is being delayed until next budget year (2011); 3) Mr. Conjar noted that a 2-person manpower shortage/vacations/extra repairs have spread his department very thin – please try to prioritize building repair issues not immediately necessary for the running of the borough. Mr. Heefner encouraged Joe to instruct younger employees on how to operate various machines i.e., street sweeper; 4) Boat Dock pavilion ordered 7/8/10 – due to arrive in 6-8 weeks; 5) Locust St. steps – we are still waiting for electrical contractors to supply pricing for lighting; 6) Veterans’ Park – Representative Buxton’s office arranged for funds to purchase new benches, rework landscaping and order a second set of flags to have as backups; 7) Patriot Energy is discussing the possibility of offering a month-to- -1-  Steelton Borough Council Meeting July 19, 2010 month contract; 8) Mr. Heefner met with the Dauphin County Redevelopment Authority on the Adams St. Project. They offered to purchase the 10 (ten) townhouses for $1.00, redevelop the land, deal with contractors and day-to-day issues. Mr. Heefner requested that Dennise Hill check with HUD about land appraisal. Ms. Marcinko asked whether this action will change the townhouses into subsidized housing; it won’t. Motion to approve using HRA funding for appraisal by Mr. Albert, second by Ms. Marcinko, approved by all. Code Enforcement Mayor’s Report On a motion made by Mr. Shaver, seconded by Mr. Albert, Council Members present voted unanimously to approve the department reports as presented. . PUBLIC COMMENT: Agenda Items Only J. J. Moore, 319 Short St., Steelton – requested information from Neighborhood Economic and Development about why the borough-purchased properties are still vacant and nothing new is being built. Mr. DeSanto responded that most properties are ready to be worked on; one property is still in legal action – the attorney will be present tonight. Mr. DeSanto also informed those present that the Felton Loft Project was set to close when the Pa. Historical Society decided that the attic and auditorium areas should not be made into apartments, which stalled the project for now. Emuel Powell, Jr., 321 Lebanon St., Steelton – also aired concerns about the Front St. properties not being demolished/redeveloped and people being “run out of Steelton”. Mr. Wright reminded everyone that those residents were offered substantial sums of money for their properties, the infrastructure has been done, and the project is moving forward. We’ve relied on state and federal funding, which they’ve frozen. Mr. Heefner added that we’re frustrated, too. He added that we were counting on using the state funds for demolition, moving sewer lines, etc. Also, the BIK property settlement is not finalized entirely; they are seeking a sizeable amount of money. Mr. Powell interjected that he still wandered where the money went before any amounts were frozen. Mr. Wright explained that all monies were used to purchase the properties in question. SPECIAL PRESENTATION TO COUNCIL: Mr. Patrick Regan, Constellation Energy (CE) – gave shortened duplicate presentation of the one he made to the Water Authority last Monday concerning energy and money saving by the Borough. Council was informed that the Authority passed a motion to approve a request for proposal (RFP) pending borough approval. The mayor gave CE the right to tour the -2-  Steelton Borough Council Meeting July 19, 2010 borough at their convenience. A motion was made by Mr. Shaver to direct Mr. Wion to draft an RFP. Ms. Marcinko seconded the motion. Mr. Heefner questioned Mr. Regan about money spent vs. savings vs. cash flow. Mr. Regan indicated that they guarantee units of energy/savings as a result of project enhancements (conservation). Projects have to be self-supporting for cash flow. If they don’t meet the guaranteed savings, CE issues a check or fixes the problem. COMMUNICATIONS: Capital Tax Collection Bureau – summary report for council’s information. Mr. Leonard F. Yablon – E-mail congratulating the borough on its efforts to control expenses related to animal control and related services. Also encourages us to enforce Dauphin County/Borough K-9 and Feline regulations and ordinances. Ms. Marcinko stated that the police department does follow regulations for canines/felines, but reminded all that Pennsylvania has no law for felines; she also reminded residents who have animal complaints to please call the Police Department. Pa. League of Cities & Municipalities – Mr. DeSanto was at their conference in Bethlehem. They are seeking 10 more volunteers from within the state. Mr. Wright suggested that if the mayor wishes to be involved, council will support him – he should fill out the application. Rev. Darryl B. Taylor (Letter) – Invitation for all to attend a prayer vigil at the fire station on Saturday, September 11, 2010 at 10:00am. Diane Davis (Letter) – Complimented Justin Hayman and Ms. Marcinko for helping with a situation in her neighborhood. Motion made by Mr. Shaver, seconded by Mr. Heefner to place the letter in Mr. Hayman’s personnel file. Dauphin-Lebanon County Boroughs Assoc. – Invitation to mayor, council, Mr. DeSanto to attend August Dinner Meeting – it was suggested that we RSVP for 6to 7 persons (names to be decided later). UNFINISHED BUSINESS: Mr. Heefner – Hadn’t seen the paperwork on the wall repair at 3rd St. and Boardwalk South. This proposal should go through the finance committee. Mr. Shaver commented that since the wall will continue to deteriorate, as long as the cost is under -3-  Steelton Borough Council Meeting July 19, 2010 $4,000 he thinks we should go ahead and have it repaired. Issue was tabled to go to the Public Works Committee. NEW BUSINESS: Mr. Troy Page - Systems Plus, Inc. Requested a zoning change for the West Side back to Industrial/Heavy Manufacturing. He was referred to the Economic Development Committee, whose next meeting is August 9th at 6:30pm. Mr. Wion – Presented Resolution 2010-R-21 to condemn dog fighting in the borough. Ms. Marcinko contacted the City of Harrisburg and the Central Pa. Animal Alliance who in turn met with Mayor Acri, Chief Spangler and Ms. Marcinko to assist in the creation of the resolution. Also, there is/will be federal funding for training on how to spot/stop dog fighting – available to Harrisburg City and Steelton Borough. Motion by Mr. Shaver; seconded by Mr. Albert, approved by all present. Mayor Acri, Water Authority – presented nominations for Kathleen Handley and Howard Gray to the Steelton Water Authority. Mr. Wion asked how the openings occurred; one person resigned, the other relocated. Motion by Mr. Shaver; seconded by Mr. Albert, approved by all present. Mr. DeSanto – requested approval of reimbursement to Monica Cavazos for $136 for duplicate personal taxes paid. Motion by Ms. Marcinko, seconded by Mr. Albert, approved by all present. OTHER BUSINESS: Mr. DeSanto – Informed council that an Executive Session is needed to discuss personnel matters, pending litigation and land acquisition matters. There were no comments. AUDIENCE PARTICIPATION: Rita Vorkapich, 2501A S. 4th St., Steelton – Resident not happy that the police firing range was moved closer to homes. On July 2, explosives set off were so loud that all residents ran out of their homes, and smoke was everywhere. The mayor responded that the explosion was not a normal occurrence. The state police requested use of the range to detonate fireworks obtained from a police event; Borough personnel did not realize the size/amount (5 commercial fireworks the size of basketballs). Mayor Acri also pointed out that he was at the range that day; it was not as loud as the residents are saying it was. Mrs. Vorkapich then asked why these items were not -4-  Steelton Borough Council Meeting July 19, 2010 taken to Indiantown Gap. Chief Spangler stated that recently a pipe bomb and other homemade devices were discovered in Steelton and Highspire; these devices could have detonated and cost lives in any attempted long range transport. Ms. Marcinko noted that the July 3rd Harrisburg fireworks on City Island were just as loud as the event in question. Pauline Douglas, 433 Bessemer St., Steelton – Complained that Comcast reception has been getting worse; wondered if the borough has communicated with them about it. Mr. DeSanto indicated that we are just the franchisee; but he will contact Frank Lynch of Comcast to check on the situation. Ms. Douglas also asked where the Boardwalk is located; Mr. Heefner explained. Troy Page, Systems Plus Inc. – Complained of a steam pipe that runs through several properties including his that has asbestos under it (the coating has fallen off) and on the surrounding ground. Mr. DeSanto will send a letter to the City of Harrisburg as it is their right-of-way, along with land behind Winfield Funeral Home. Mr. Page also questioned whether there are regular inspections of properties – He as cited for not having an occupancy permit, but the house next door doesn’t have one. He also mentioned several properties that have obvious code violations, such as a disheveled banister, a fence that’s falling down, etc. Mr. DeSanto said he will talk with Ms. Zell about these properties. COUNCIL’S CONCERNS: Mr. Heefner – noted several properties with code violations: 325 Swatara St, 331 Swatara St. and 335 Swatara St. The latter property is a rental that the landlord is not keeping up with – front porch rotting away, paint chipping, etc. He also mentioned that the stone wall on the other side of Swatara St. is cracking, the concrete around the utility pole is cracking, and cars parked in “No Parking” zones along upper area could be making the problems worse. Mr. DeSanto also noted that Navarro & Wright surveyed this two years ago and the wall had sunk about a foot. Mr. Wright advised Mr. Heefner to contact Chief Spangler and Mr. Conjar about the situation. On a separate note, Mr. Heefner asked that everyone on the borough staff use prudence in handling problems with facilities/malfunctions. Ms. Marcinko – Reminded everyone that there is a $5,000 reward for information on dog fighting – call 1-800calHSUS?? She noted that the Steelton Borough Community Cats (SBCC) has been contacted by many communities about the cat project. She complimented the appearance of the Boat Dock area and encouraged its use. She also gave kudos to the Codes Department for the River Alley trash cleanup, but noted that trash cans and lids are just thrown around – Mr. DeSanto will contact York Waste. -5-  Steelton Borough Council Meeting July 19, 2010 Mr. Shaver – Thanked residents from East End for attending; apologized for explosives detonation, but realize that we were acting on the side of safety. Also apologized for Mr. Page getting false information; hopes he will contact Economic Development as they’re the ones that need to hear the information presented. Mayor Acri – Invited everyone to attend National Night Out on August 3rd from 6:00 to 8:00pm at the fire house. Mr. Wright – encouraged residents to continue to attend meetings; we don’t know of some problems unless they are brought to our attention. On motion by Mr. Shaver, seconded by Mr. Albert, the Council meeting recessed into executive session at 8:24pm to discuss personnel matters, land acquisition and potential litigation. On a motion by Ms. Marcinko, seconded by Mr. Spencer, Council Members present voted unanimously to end the Executive Session. The Council meeting reconvened at 9:45 p.m. ADJOURNMENT: There being no other business before Council, on a motion by Ms. Marcinko, seconded by Mr. Spencer, the meeting adjourned at 9:55 p.m. Respectfully submitted, _____________________________ _______________________________ John M. DeSanto, Jr. Kathy I. Sosnowski Borough Secretary/Treasurer Executive Administrative Assistant -6-