City Council

Steelton Borough Council Meeting October 18, 2010 The regular monthly meeting was called to order at 6:34pm. by President, Jeffery Wright, with the pledge of allegiance, followed by a moment of silence. In Attendance: Absent: Jeffery Wright Michael Albert Stephen Shaver MaryJo Szada Dennis Heefner Maria Marcinko Raymond Spencer Mayor Thomas Acri David A. Wion, Solicitor John M. DeSanto, Jr., Secretary/Treasurer Sylvie Zell, Code Enforcement Officer Edward Ellinger, HRG Mike Musser, Consultant Jay Wenger, Consultant Lou Verdelli, Bond Underwriter Kathy I. Sosnowski, Administrative Assistant APPROVAL OF MINUTES: On a motion made by Ms. Marcinko, seconded by Mr. Heefner, Council Members present voted unanimously to approve the minutes from 9-20-10, with one change: Mr. Shaver was absent. On a motion made by Ms. Marcinko, seconded by Mr. Heefner, Council Members present voted unanimously to approve the minutes from 10-4-10, as presented. APPROVAL OF SCHEDULES OF BILLINGS, REQUISITIONS AND CHANGE ORDERS AS PRESENTED: Motion to approve: Ms. Marcinko Second: Mr. Shaver Approved by All APPROVAL OF DEPARTMENT REPORTS: Neighborhood & Econ. Development Fire and Ambulance Personnel Police Public Works – Mr. Heefner indicated that the lights for the pavilion at the boat dock have not arrived yet. Code Enforcement -1-  Steelton Borough Council Meeting October 18, 2010 Mayor’s Report – Mayor Acri reminded everyone that Thursday, October 28 is trick-or- treat night for most of Dauphin County, including Steelton. Mr. Wright also invited all to go to the “Haunted Firehouse” from 6pm to 9pm that night. Motion to approve reports: Mr. Spencer Second: Mr. Heefner Approved by All PUBLIC COMMENT: Agenda Items Only None. COMMUNICATION: Ed Ellinger (HRG) – presented the East End Sewer Separation Project (EESSP) monthly report and the 1st contractor’s application for payment in the amount of $238,777.65. Motion to approve payment: Mr. Heefner Second: Ms. Marcinko Approved by All Ed Ellinger – presented Penn Vest request for payment #4 in the amount of $263,323.26. Motion to approve payment: Mr. Spencer Second: Mr. Heefner Approved by All Ed Ellinger – presented Work Change Directive #5 in the amount of $6,777.00 and Work Change Directive #6 in the amount of $5,374.00 for utility conflicts, added pipes, etc. Motion to approve #5: Mr. Heefner Second: Mr. Shaver Approved by All Motion to approve #6: Mr. Spencer Second: Mr. Heefner Approved by All Mr. Ellinger commended both Mr. Conjar and the Public Works Department staff for their work with the EESSP. He acknowledged the quick response from both council members and public works on any questions/problems that arose. He also brought two copies of the user rate study, one of which was given to Mr. Wion for review. Ms. Marcinko appreciates Mr. Ellinger responding to her questions informatively but in layman’s terms to help her understand the project’s progress. Penn DOT - Invitation to attend Dauphin County Winter Partnership meeting on Friday, October 22, 2010 from 9am-12noon at Penn DOT District 8-0 office at 2140 Herr Street. -2-  Steelton Borough Council Meeting October 18, 2010 Mr. Heefner recommended that Mr. Conjar attend; he will contact him. Dauphin Co. Conservation Dist. – Invitation to attend an informational meeting on changes to storm water management regulations and changes to the Erosion and Sediment Pollution Control which become effective on November 19, 2010. Mr. Ellinger of HRG indicated that someone from their office will attend this meeting and give the borough any necessary information. Mr. Musser and Mr. Wenger – introduced Mr. Lou Verdelli, bond underwriter, of RBC to entertain the possibility of refinancing the 2003-04 bond issue to save money. They indicated that financing rates are at a 40-year low, which could result in saving of from $250,000 to $300,000. They would need the 2009 audit draft by the end of November, if possible. To refinance the 2003 bond the rate would be 4 ¼ to 3 ¼; the 2004’s rate would be 7.5% to 4%. Authorization would be needed to proceed. The out-of-pocket cost would be one- half of the rating fee - $3-4,000. We are urged to move quickly due to the December budget process, debt service, etc. Mr. Heefner suggested that maybe we could ask for $300,000 or more in relief funds; Mr. Wenger advised to just work on the savings angle for now and address relief money in the future. Basically, we are just replacing old debt with new debt; the savings will occur in the 2011 budget year. Mr. Verdelli is also the bond underwriter for the school district and Dauphin County and has worked with the Borough in the past. He distributed paperwork to indicate the present rate; 3.82% this week. He also advised that in 2006 a bond credit quality rating wasn’t necessary, but since 2008 it is required. Audit reports and the 2011 budget draft are needed now. Motion to secure RBC and Mr. Verdelli as bond underwriter: Mr. Heefner Second: Mr. Shaver Approved by All with a note added by Mr. Wion to proceed with the proposal outlined including alternatives. UNFINISHED BUSINESS: John M. DeSanto, Jr. – Proposal for removal of trees on Borough owned lot on South 4th Street. Mr. Conjar visited the property and indicated that one tree is almost 70 feet high, and several tree branches are hanging over wires, etc. An estimate from Shull’s Tree Service was brought before council. Mr. Heefner questioned whether we -3-  Steelton Borough Council Meeting October 18, 2010 could save money by only taking the large tree down and cutting the branches that are in the way. Mr. Spencer questioned how this would affect the property in the long run, i.e. how fast the trees would grow in the future. A motion was made by Mr. Shaver to have Mr. Heefner check with Mr. Conjar and get the job done; seconded by Mr. Spencer; approved by all. Justin Hayman – request to place certificate as Property Maintenance and Housing Specialist in his personnel file. Motion to place in file: Ms. Marcinko Second: Mr. Spencer Approved by All NEW BUSINESS: Mr. Guy Beneventano, Esq., Solicitor Decision on choice of 2011 Income Dauphin County Tax Collection Committee Tax Collection Mr. Wenger received an e-mail from Mr. Beneventano suggesting that we retain the Capital Tax Collection Bureau (CTCB) for the LST/EMT Tax for 2011 (Annie Long of the Steel-High District Office and John McHale of Highspire both indicated the are also staying with CTCB for 2011.) It was then indicated that all entities would switch to Berkheimer in 2012. Mr. Heefner questioned whether they would have a local office; if they are selected, they will open a satellite office. Since no change is being made for 2011, the decision can be tabled for now. Dave Wion – Fee Letter for Penn Vest Representation Motion for payment: Mr. Shaver Second: Ms. Marcinko Approved by All Mr. John McHale – Highspire Boro – street sweeper rental for two weeks in 2011 Discussion of rental cost – Mr. Heefner had no comment; Mr. Shaver suggested that we use federal rates for the vehicle and driver as we’ve done in the past. Motion to proceed: Mr. Heefner Second: Mr. Shaver Approved by All -4-  Steelton Borough Council Meeting October 18, 2010 OTHER BUSINESS: Mr. DeSanto – Informing Council that an Executive Session is needed to discuss Personnel Matters, Pending Litigation and Land Acquisition Matters. Mr. DeSanto recommended removing the building at 227 Adams St through condemnation with CDBG funds. The demolition firm will have a proposal tomorrow in the $23,000- $25,000 range. Motion to demolish due to emergency situation: Mr. Shaver Second: Mr. Heefner Approved by All Mr. Wright mentioned to Emuel Powell that as a result of his request at the last council meeting, a person from Penn DOT did come to the Borough about Pine Street’s condition and is working with Mr. DeSanto on it. AUDIENCE PARTICIPATION: Emuel Powell, 321 Lebanon St. – There are potholes on Adams Street in front of the Cyrene Elks Lodge that could result in someone spraining an ankle or worse. Could someone check into patching this area before a possible lawsuit could begin. Also, the property at Bailey & Adams Sts. that used to house Russell’s Tavern is filled with undergrowth and actually has vines going through it. Ms. Zell indicated that the address is 200 Adams St. and is privately owned by Gary Johnstone, who lives on Swatara St. In addition, nobody is living at the yellow house on Bailey St. and it’s not being kept up. Mr. Shaver told him that these private owners are fined, but that they just don’t care. Ms. Marcinko informed everyone that she attended a special meeting on blighted properties; Senate Bill No. 900 should help with codes work for the future. Pauline Douglas, 133 Bessemer St. – asked where the money was coming from for the demolition at 227 Adams St., and why other properties can’t be addressed as well. It was explained to her that CDBG funds were being used; they cannot be used to fix up private property. Also, the property on Adams St. is very dangerous. COUNCIL’S CONCERNS: Mr. Heefner – asked Mr. DeSanto if the office could separate grant funds from Borough funds. Mr. DeSanto said that he would work with the staff on this. Mr. Wright – Thanked everyone for coming. Reminded everyone that the Borough Council is doing their best to hold the line with the budget; we do not want to -5-  Steelton Borough Council Meeting October 18, 2010 raise taxes. If you want major improvements throughout the Borough, you have to be willing to pay more taxes. Mr. Shaver – Indicated that Mr. Wion has reviewed the HRG agreement for a sewer user rate study. Motion to accept: Mr. Heefner Second: Ms. Marcinko Approved by All Mr. Spencer – None. Ms. Marcinko – Informed all that she met with Mr. DeSanto, Chief Spangler and the Humane Society on Friday. Since their billing will now be done by census, we have cancelled our former contract saving thousands of dollars. Also, the Humane Society will no longer take in feral cats, so as a Borough we are in a positive situation because of the previous work of the SBCC Project. On motion by Mr. Shaver, seconded by Mr. Spencer, the Council meeting recessed into executive session at 7:49pm to discuss personnel matters, land acquisition and potential litigation. The Council meeting reconvened at 8:20 p.m. ADJOURNMENT: There being no other business before Council, on a motion by Mr. Shaver, seconded by Mr. Spencer, the meeting adjourned at 9:01 p.m. Respectfully submitted, _____________________________ _______________________________ John M. DeSanto, Jr. Kathy I. Sosnowski Borough Secretary/Treasurer Executive Administrative Assistant -6-