City Council

Steelton Borough Council Meeting September 20, 2010 The regular monthly meeting was called to order at 6:33pm. by President Jeffery Wright, with the pledge of allegiance, followed by a moment of silence. In Attendance: Absent: Jeffery Wright Michael Albert Dennis Heefner Stephen Shaver Maria Marcinko Raymond Spencer MaryJo Szada Mayor Thomas Acri David A. Wion, Solicitor John M. DeSanto, Jr., Secretary/Treasurer Kathy I. Sosnowski, Administrative Assistant Joe Conjar, Public Works Dennise Hill, NEDC Dan Scheitrum, Water Filtration Scott Spangler, Chief of Police Gene Vance, Fire Chief (6:55pm) Sylvie Zell, Code Enforcement Matt Cichy, HRG APPROVAL OF MINUTES: On a motion made by Ms. Marcinko, seconded by Mr. Heefner, Council Members present voted unanimously to approve the minutes from February 1, 2010, as presented. The minutes from August 16, 2010 were also approved with two changes: On page 4, Mr. Wion indicated that the sentence with HRG yearly figures should be after his presentation of the Steelton Walnut, LP Agreement-2009, 2010 & 2011 CDBG Funds for Felton Lofts Project. Ms. Marcinko also indicated that on page 7 her comment should read that another vaccine clinic would be held (not spay/neuter clinic). APPROVAL OF SCHEDULES OF BILLINGS, REQUISITIONS AND CHANGE ORDERS AS PRESENTED: Motion to Approve: Mr. Heefner Second: Mr. Spencer Approved by All PUBLIC COMMENT: Agenda Items Only None. APPROVAL OF DEPARTMENTAL REPORTS: -1-  Steelton Borough Council Meeting September 20, 2010 Neighborhood & Economic Development (Ms. Hill) – Additions to report include a reminder of the Prayer Walk on October 2, 2010 at Mt. Zion. Mayor informed all of the Grand Opening/Ribbon Cutting of Chop’s Barbershop across the street and encouraged them to check it out. Also, Mr. Heefner indicated concern about the economy/housing; suggested not buying more blighted properties and concentrating on those that we already own. He also suggested a tree line/curb line on Adams Street. Mr. DeSanto said that 253 and 255 Adams Street will be discussed in Executive Session. Motion to Approve: Mr. Heefner Second: Ms. Marcinko Approved by All Fire and Ambulance (Mayor for Mr. Vance) – The mayor informed all that the Fire Department applied to New York City for a girder from 9/11 – we got the OK to get a 5-foot section to construct a monument. Dedication will be 9/11/11 in front of the firehouse. Motion to Approve: Mr. Heefner Second: Mr. Spencer Approved by All Personnel – They are working on the Collective Bargaining Agreement with the non-uniform employees union. Motion to Approve: Mr. Heefner Second: Mr. Spencer Approved by All Police (Chief Spangler) – Det./Sgt. King and Officer Minium will attend the re- accreditation meetings of the Children’s Resource Center on 9-30-10. Steelton borough Police Dept. received a statement of support from the Dept. of Defense on behalf of the National Guard and Reserves, as well as a certificate of recognition from the Dauphin County Commissioners. A letter of commendation was received for Officer Scott Rupert. Ms. Marcinko mentioned that several officers are attending a seminar on dog fighting tomorrow; she thanked the Chief for coordinating their attendance. She also made a motion to put Officer Rupert’s commendation in his personnel file. Ms. Szada seconded the motion. Mr. Heefner commented that it is refreshing for our officers to receive commendations. Ms. Szada asked why the number of arrests was so low compared to the number of calls. She asked if we could increase the number for criminal calls – she feels that there are too many drug deals in the borough not being addressed and that some residents may not feel safe. She also asked what the Police Department is doing about the increase in the -2-  Steelton Borough Council Meeting September 20, 2010 number of robberies/burglaries. The Chief indicated that one way is for more residents to get involved with the Neighborhood Watch program. Motion to Approve Report: Ms. Marcinko Second: Ms. Szada Approved by All Public Works (Mr. Conjar) – Mr. Conjar informed everyone that the street sweeper is being used in Highspire this week. He also said that the sweeper will run until October 31st; then Mr. Heefner corrected him that it would run until November. Mr. Conjar indicated that the East End Sewer Separation Project is 80 days in on the 365-day project; the sanitary sewer south of R Street is done, and by the first week of October a 48” line to the river for storm water lines will be 10 percent complete. The construction of the pavilion at the boat dock got under way on Friday; by early next week it should be under roof. Mr. Wright commended Mr. Conjar and staff on jobs well done in the borough and also encouraged everyone to see the boat dock, enjoy the picnic area and enjoy the view of the river. Mr. Heefner thanked Joe for coordinating efforts on the East End Sewer Separation Project and indicated that the Locust Street lighting project is making progress. Joe let everyone know that when the bucket truck needed repair, they found out that the repair warranty expired and the salesman left; we were not informed of either of these situations. Because of this, Joe convinced them not to charge us for any repairs. It was asked whether the plants should continue to be watered; Mr. Wright said the decision could be made by Mr. Heefner. Mr. DeSanto acknowledged how much help Mr. Conjar has been to the entire borough. Motion to Approve Report: Ms. Marcinko Second: Mr. Spencer Approved by All Code Enforcement (Ms. Zell) – Ms. Zell indicated that settlement with the School District on the Felton Project is scheduled for October 15, 2010. She also said that the modular home will be delivered to Lincoln St. tomorrow. Ms. Marcinko commended the Codes Department on improved conditions, especially the deplorable ones that she and Officer Conjar witnessed in River Alley. She thanked Ms. Zell for keeping up with problems in the borough. Motion to Approve Report: Mr. Spencer Second: Ms. Marcinko Approved by All Water Department (Mr. Scheitrum) – Mr. Scheitrum was proud to inform us that all four operators are properly licensed and have all the necessary certifications. Mr. Heefner asked why the borough pumps later rather than earlier in the day; Mr. Scheitrum indicated that the chlorine residual increases the later you pump, increasing the chances -3-  Steelton Borough Council Meeting September 20, 2010 of illness (E-Coli, etc.) and reminded all that he is responsible for the health of approximately 5800 people. Mr. Wright mentioned that he thinks Steelton water is probably the safest drinking water around and applauded what a good job our plant staff is doing. Motion to Approve Report: Mr. Heefner Second: Mr. Spencer Approved by All Mayor’s Report – The mayor received a letter from Dauphin County regarding the celebration of 150 years since the Civil War in 2011. Ms. Marcinko attended the meeting on September 1, 2010 and mentioned that groups involved included cemetery associations. At Ms. Marcinko’s request, the mayor asked Barbara Barksdale to represent the borough on this committee (she has always been very involved with the Midland Cemetery, Buffalo Soldiers, etc.). The mayor then told an unfounded story about Abraham Lincoln being threatened in Harrisburg – he supposedly came to Trewick Street in Steelton to board his train. Mr. Acri thanked Ms. Marcinko for attending the meeting and organizing the information. Ms. Marcinko invited the public to supply and information on the civil war era – knowledge/lore/family stories, etc. Motion to Approve Report: Mr. Spencer Second: Mr. Heefner Approved by All Public Comment – None. SPECIAL PRESENTATION: A ceremony was held on September 7, 2010 to acknowledge Katherinale McKinney as the Pa. Family Coalition’s Parent of the Year. Her daughter, Marishika read the letter she submitted, and then the mayor and Lourdes Swarts (President of the Coalition) presented Ms. McKinney with a proclamation and plaque. Ms. Swarts was then presented with gifts; and informed all that she sat with seven (7) mayors at a meeting in Harrisburg, at which they all spoke of having the same issues/problems – crime, teen pregnancy, etc. COMMUNICATION: PA State Association of Boroughs (PSAB) – Letter to borough – our unemployment compensation rate for 2011 will be .0575 on the first $8,000 each employee earns. FYI Dauphin-Lebanon County Boroughs Assoc. – Invitation to Fourth Quarter dinner meeting on Wednesday, October 20 at 6pm. Mr. DeSanto was told to RSVP on behalf of Mr. Wright, Mr. Shaver, Ms. Marcinko and Mayor Acri. PSAB – Mr. Wion requests that his associate, Mr. Zulli attend the training session on collecting delinquent municipal fees along with Michele Powell, Utility Billing Clerk. -4-  Steelton Borough Council Meeting September 20, 2010 The training session is on Monday, September 27th. WZS will fully reimburse the borough for Mr. Zulli’s enrollment fee. Motion to Approve: Mr. Spencer Second: Ms. Marcinko Approved by All UNFINISHED BUSINESS: Mr. Heefner – Presented the Public Works Department’s cell phone usage policy. The policy was reviewed by Attorney Miller and deemed appropriate. Motion to Approve: Mr. Heefner Second: Ms. Marcinko Approved by All Mr. Wright – Initiated a discussion of the trial stop signs at 4th and Swatara Sts. Ms. Marcinko said the school board had concerns about school buses stopping on the hill in the winter months (Mr. Petrovich was supposed to attend tonight). A resident who lives on the south side of Swatara St. is having trouble getting out of her driveway because of traffic lined up. Mr. Heefner asked for a motion to extend the trial for another 90 days. Mr. Wright indicated that since the area was not properly surveyed with a traffic study he asked for a roll call vote to keep or remove the signs (yes=take down; no=leave up): Ms. Szada: Yes Mr. Spencer: Yes Mr. Wright: Yes Ms. Marcinko: Yes Mr. Heefner: No Vote: 4/1 to remove signs Mr. Wright asked for everyone’s cooperation working with WINN Development when they start the Felton Lofts project; they will pay for a traffic study on 4th Street from Pine to Swatara Street. Mr. DeSanto – Presented proposed lease agreement with Capital Business Systems to upgrade the main copier/scanner in the Borough office. There have been over 1 million copies made on the old unit and it’s showing signs of wearing out. The expected monthly savings would be $100 or more. Mr. Wion indicated that this would be a 60-month (5 year) lease with an option to purchase after that for no more than $1300. This expenditure was approved at the last meeting pending Mr. Wion and Mr. DeSanto obtaining the necessary documents from Costars, Konica Minolta and Capital Business Systems. They will proceed with the agreement process and Capital Business Systems. -5-  Steelton Borough Council Meeting September 20, 2010 NEW BUSINESS: Mr. Ellinger (HRG) – Presented PennVest reimbursement for payment #3 for costs related to the East End Sewer Separation project - $23,236.50. Motion to approve: Ms. Marcinko Second: Ms. Szada Approved by All Mr. Heefner – Presented letter sent to residents of Swatara Township regarding sewer rate adjustments for residents, schools, commercial users, etc. He requested that HRG perform a study to see if we can keep residential rates down and possibly create revenue from businesses. Mr. Wion recommended that we get a proposal from HRG of the scope of what the study will entail, as well as associated costs. Ms. Marcinko made a motion to have Mr. Heefner contact HRG to get the proposal and costs involved. Mr. Heefner seconded the motion. Mr. Wion – Presented Ordinance 2010-R-4 authorizing execution of a cable franchise agreement between the Borough of Steelton and Comcast for 10/1/2010 – 10/1/2020. Motion to Approve: Mr. Spencer Second: Mr. Heefner Approved by All Mr. Heefner – Presented an agreement between the Borough of Steelton and Steelton Terminals Corp. (STC) in relation to operation, usage and liability of a Steelton Police Department training area located on the referenced property. Mr. Arnold of STC wants no liability for activities at the range and requested that council set up rules for the rifle range and inform him of them. Attached three separate documents: 1) license agreement with the Borough; 2) organization indemnification agreement; and 3) individual waiver and release. An intense conversation then occurred between several attendees at the meeting. The mayor asked why the Chief of Police was not involved and why the matter was not brought before the Police Committee of Borough Council. Ms. Marcinko was concerned that restrictions may be put in place regarding when training could be done. She stated that training needs to be conducted during all hours, seasons, etc. for the safety of all residents. Mr. Wright eventually considered the issue closed for this meeting and referred the situation to the Police Committee. Mr. DeSanto – Presented certifications for uniformed and non-uniformed pension plan financial requirements and minimum municipal obligations for the 2011 municipal budget. Thanked Ms. Sosnowski for her work on this project. -6-  Steelton Borough Council Meeting September 20, 2010 Mr. Scheitrum – Requested the certificate of continuing education for completion of the Distribution Components Workshop on 9/9/10 be placed in his personnel file. Motion to Place in File: Mr. Spencer Second: Ms. Marcinko Approved by All Mr. DeSanto – Presented a proposal to lease the parking area for UPS trailers behind Front Street with an increase from $1,500 to $2,000. Motion to Approve: Ms. Marcinko Second: Mr. Spencer Approved by All AUDIENCE PARTICIPATION: Jean Barr, 349 S. 4th St., Steelton – complained of being disrespected after the last meeting as she tried to discuss something with council members. Mr. Wright apologized if she thought he disrespected her and suggested that in the future she should request a private meeting with the person she has issues with. Ms. Barr then began to speak of a personal issue from years ago; Mr. Wright suggested that she talk to Doctor Szada about those problems/issues. Emuel Powell, 321 Lebanon St., Steelton – requested that something be done about how torn up Pine Street is becoming; asked if it is a state-owned thoroughfare, and if so, shouldn’t they repair it? Mr. DeSanto will contact Penn DOT in the morning. On a separate matter, Mr. Powell asked why the borough doesn’t have some type of hardware store. This matter will be referred to Ms. Hill. Pauline Douglas, Bessemer St., Steelton – asked if there is a quota on how many “Section 8” rental properties are located within the borough. Mr. Wion interjected that council should not discuss this issue. (Mr. Wion explained the situation to her after the meeting.) COUNCIL’S CONCERNS: Mr. Heefner – Indicated that he never received information on the Swatara Street wall – when it was built, when completed, etc. Since there was some argument over what happened to the information, Mr. Wright requested that copies of all council members’ requests and the results be sent to him. Ms. Marcinko – Announced that today is the one-year anniversary of her appointment to council. She thanked everyone for their support. -7-  Steelton Borough Council Meeting September 20, 2010 Mayor Acri – Requested that the handicapped parking situation be reviewed. Chief Spangler indicated that the Police Department staff is working on this. On motion by Ms. Marcinko, seconded by Mr. Spencer, the Council meeting recessed into executive session at 8:37pm to discuss personnel matters, land acquisition and potential litigation. The Council meeting reconvened at 9:41 p.m. ADJOURNMENT: There being no other business before Council, on a motion by Mr. Heefner, seconded by Ms. Marcinko, the meeting adjourned at 9:41 p.m. Respectfully submitted, _____________________________ _______________________________ John M. DeSanto, Jr. Kathy I. Sosnowski Borough Secretary/Treasurer Executive Administrative Assistant -8-