City Council

Steelton Borough Council Meeting December 20, 2010 The regular monthly meeting was called to order at 6:31p.m. by President, Jeffery Wright, with the pledge of allegiance, followed by a moment of silence. In Attendance: Absent: Jeffery Wright MaryJo Szada Stephen Shaver Michael Albert Dennis Heefner Maria Marcinko Raymond Spencer Mayor Thomas Acri John M. DeSanto, Jr., Secretary/Treasurer Kathy I. Sosnowski, Executive Assistant Mike Musser, Consultant Matthew Cichy, HRG Steve Ossman, VP, Whalen Insurance Brandon Meyers APPROVAL OF MINUTES: On a motion made by Ms. Marcinko, seconded by Mr. Albert, Council Members present voted unanimously to approve the minutes from 12-6-10 and 12-7-10, as presented. APPROVAL OF SCHEDULES OF BILLINGS, REQUISITIONS AND CHANGE ORDERS AS PRESENTED: Motion to approve: Mr. Shaver Second: Mr. Albert Approved by All APPROVAL OF DEPARTMENT REPORTS: Neighborhood & Economic Development (Dennise Hill) Fire and Ambulance (Gene Vance) Personnel Police (Chief Spangler) Public Works (Joe Conjar) Code Enforcement (Sylvie Zell) Mayor’s Report (Mayor Acri) Motion to Approve: Mr. Shaver Second: Mr. Albert Approved by All -1-  Steelton Borough Council Meeting December 20, 2010 NOTES ON DEPARTMENT REPORTS: Chief Spangler/Mayor Acri, Police Committee – they have the handicapped package assessment for Dave Wion’s review; also a memo of understanding for him to review. Mr.Heefner, Public Works Committee – the parking meters are in; awaiting state inspection. The picnic tables and grills are at the boat dock area. Leadership met with Tim Lehman regarding snow emergency procedures: Level 1: No traffic on Front and Second Sts. Level 2: Not a major storm – do odd/even address numbers for snow removal. Mr. Albert questioned the wording of the document; Mr. Wright reminded everyone that the document has to go to Mr. Wion for review and the possibility of an ordinance. Mr. Heefner also stated that during snow removal/sleeting, there is sometimes more than one truck salting the same street within 3 hours. To correct this problem, they want to break down the town into zones to prevent the overlapping. Mr. Conjar’s letter will be discussed in executive session. Mr. Shaver questioned whether the portable toilet on Reynders Avenue was our responsibility – It is the one at the Midget Baseball Field. The Mayor informed Council that Barbara Barksdale is the Borough’s representative on the 150-year Civil War celebration. She would like to look through the older books in the safe regarding events in the 1800’s; especially the tale that President Lincoln actually boarded his train at Lincoln and Trewick Sts. because there were rumors of an assassination attempt in Harrisburg. Ms. Marcinko wants to make Borough Hall accessible to Ms. Barksdale in the evening hours. Council questioned who would be responsible for the items in the safe and Borough office. The mayor also informed Council that the young man who designed the layout of Veterans’ Park for the Borough passed away recently at age 22. His parents actually had a layout of his work at his funeral service. On their behalf, he requested that some kind of monument be placed at the park. Mr. Shaver said they could come before council; Mr. Acri said maybe we could place a small stone there with his name on it. Mr. Albert said maybe the Borough should donate a brick in his name. PUBLIC COMMENT: Agenda Items Only None -2-  Steelton Borough Council Meeting December 20, 2010 NEW BUSINESS: HRG, Inc. EESSP Engineer – Matt Cichy presented payment #3 to Bradley in the amount of $213,464.25 for approval. Motion to approve payment: Mr. Shaver; Second: Ms. Marcinko; Approved by all. He also presented PennVest reimbursement for payment #6 in the amount of $277,913.15. Motion to approve payment: Mr. Shaver; Second: Mr. Heefner; Approved by all. He also indicated the Water Tapping Fees went to the Authority. The Wastewater Meeting on 12-9-10 with Mr. DeSanto, Mr. Conjar, Mr. Heefner and Mr. Wion listed the edu residential rate as $2,000. Council needs to decide on the wastewater tapping fee before the Felton Loft permitting process begins. Mr. Wright said Mr. Wion needs to review this information. Mr. Shaver asked Matt what the average fee is that most municipalities charge; Matt indicated that it depends on the age of the system. Newer systems range in price from $5,000 to $7,500. Mr. Heefner said that our older system is probably in the range of $1,200 to $1,500. Council agreed to set the rate at $1,200. Mr. Spencer said we should clarify the fact that this is for new development; not for existing residents. Mr. Shaver made a motion to prepare an ordinance to increase the edu rate from $250 to $1,200. Second: Mr. Albert Approved by All. Matt Cichy recommended an amendment to analyze user rates through Swatara Township, a 2010 review of the history of usage and a 2010-11 draft reconciliation. This amendment would cost no more than $2,900 plus reimbursable expenses. Mr. Heefner clarified that this study would evaluate what capital projects could be forthcoming to set aside monies for these. The study will enhance revenues from Swatara Township’s commercial and industrial users (residential users will be on the lower end of the rate scale. This should help to ease the burden on the Borough’s elderly population. Mr. Shaver made a motion to approve the amendment with HRG and the Borough for $2,900. Second: Mr. Albert Approved by All Mr. Musser reminded Council that the H2O meeting will be held on 1-14-11. We should get reimbursement money at that time. Also, each year there is a clause in the agreement with Swatara Township concerning chemical costs, etc. that will change increases. Steve Ossman – presented a proposal to replace Dearborn w/Standard Life Ins. Company for our life and disability insurance coverage. Mr. DeSanto reminded Council that they are a broker for the Borough and shop around for the best deals for us. Even though the form lists 2, 3 and 5-year guarantees, it doesn’t mean they can’t shop again next year. Also, there is no cost to the Borough; they work on commission. Mr. Ossman stated that they requested proposals from eleven (11) companies; four (4) companies matched the benefits with the potential savings. They recommended coverage from Standard – they have an extensive background working with municipalities. Mr. DeSanto stated that they -3-  Steelton Borough Council Meeting December 20, 2010 also have a better rating than SunLife. Mr. Shaver made a motion to approve new coverage with Standard. Second: Mr. Albert Approved by All John DeSanto (for Mr. Wion) – presented Resolution #2010-R-29 – Police Pension Contribution Percentage for 2011. This is based on calculations from the Police Department. Mr. Shaver said that smoothing is ongoing on the pension plan. Motion to Approve Res. #2010-R-29: Mr. Spencer Second: Ms. Marcinko Approved by All Dennis Heefner – presented a Certificate of Appreciation from Rebuilding Together Greater Hbg. 2009-2010. Informed Council that they work with the SHIP Program. They supply labor for free; the Borough supplies materials. Also introduced a new program on veterans housing from the Federal Government for repair work and safety related issues, not for general construction. Mr. Spencer asked if there are income limits; Mr. Heefner said there are but he doesn’t know offhand what they are. It was also stated that this program is only for homeowners, not apartments. Mr. Heefner was hoping that the Patriot-News would write an article about both the SHIP and Veterans Housing Programs. COMMUNICATION: The Harrisburg Authority – Harrisburg Resource Recovery Facility Gate Rates – Effective 1/1/11. Mr. Shaver questioned if this was approved by Dauphin County; would York Waste pass costs onto the Borough. Mr. Musser stated that the trash contract probably has a provision for an increase. Mr. Shaver asked Mr. DeSanto to check with Kelli Wolf to see if the commissioners approved this. Pa. Dept. of Environmental Protection. – Copy of Letter to ArcelorMittal for information only. Humane Society of Harrisburg Area – Letter regarding the 2010 & 2011 Domestic Animal Service Agreements. Ms. Marcinko has a meeting with Amy Kaunas in January and is going to check on the figure listed to see if it is subject to negotiation (we should get a discount since we helped to write up the contract). John A. Garner, Jr. – Pa. League of Cities & Municipalities – invitation to Open House Tuesday, 1-18-2011 9am-4pm Darlene Harris – Letter & info. Related to Hydro-fracturing Natural Gas Drilling – for information only. -4-  Steelton Borough Council Meeting December 20, 2010 Pennsylvania EMS Memorial Service on 9/8/2011 – e-mail received from Jay Taylor. More information will be forthcoming in 2011. Brandon Meyers – presented a concise report on the Borough MS 4 Water Permit (6/9/2012) and notice of intent from DEP and the Borough. OTHER BUSINESS: Mr. DeSanto – Informed Council that an Executive Session is needed to discuss Personnel Matters, Pending Litigation and Land Acquisition Matters. AUDIENCE PARTICIPATION: Ms. Iris Brown, 236 Lincoln St., Steelton – on Saturday, December 18, 2010 the gas range at her neighbor’s home exploded due to a gas leak. When the firefighters arrived, they observed many problems in the home – electrical, etc. UGI turned off the gas to the home, but told Ms. Brown that she should not be living in the house next to such a hazardous building. She knows that her neighbors haven’t let the Codes Department in to check on problems in the past – roaches, rodents, etc. Ms. Brown stated that she killed 18 mice/rats in one month. She is also concerned that now they are at the home cleaning so that Codes won’t find much at their visit tomorrow, even though they have been living in filth in the past. Paul Brown-Pastelli (sister) co-owns the house with Ms. Brown and is concerned with her sister’s safety. She mentioned that she thought Habitat for Humanity worked on the house in the past; did codes review their work? Mr. Spencer asked why the Fire Department and UGI can’t certify the codes conditions in the house; he was told that is not the protocol. The mayor said that if she won’t let codes in tomorrow, they’ll go to Lenker’s office to get a warrant. He also reminded Council that the law won’t allow us to evict these people. Mr. Heefner suggested waiting for the Fire Marshall/Codes to check tomorrow. Ms. Brown stated that this is not the first time; there have been fires at the house before. Chief Vance stated that the fire was caused by a gas leak. Ms. Brown also was concerned that nobody from the Codes Department came to the scene. Mr. Wright then asked why codes has not showed up on at least three incidents recently. Mr. Wright recommended that Mr. Heefner talk to Ms. Zell about the situation. Mr. Mahaffey, 2741 S. 3rd St., Steelton – right after the EESSP contractor worked in the area of his home, he developed a leak in his basement. Upon his request, a -5-  Steelton Borough Council Meeting December 20, 2010 Borough employee came to shut his water off; then proceeded to break the shutoff at the curb key. This has resulted in the family being without water for five (5) days. He was told it was the owner’s responsibility for repair. Mayor Acri and Mr. Spencer thought this should be the contractor’s responsibility. Mr. Heefner added that when the contractor broke a pipe at the Petrovich residence, they did fix it. Also Ms. Veronica Supan stated that her home (2604) and another home (2553) both developed leaks after work was done and the contractors fixed the issues at those addresses. Mr. Heefner will contact the contractor tomorrow to review the situation. The mayor indicated that he doesn’t agree with the key issue (owner responsibility), but it is the Borough Authority’s Rules and Regulations. Mr. Wright was also concerned that communication was not clear between the employee, his supervisor and the Borough office. Ms. Marcinko informed everyone that she has complaint forms for anyone who wants them concerning the East End Project. Mr. DeSanto – he is working with Mr. Shaver on reviewing the phone lines/internet connections to renew the phone systems. Mr. Shaver questioned why we have 21 lines in the building when there are not that many people in the building at one time. They will work with the department heads to clarify the situation. COUNCIL’S CONCERNS: Mr. Heefner – Informed Council that Swatara Street is slowly being torn up by buses, tractor-trailers, etc. It is probably going to need to be replaced in the very near future Ms. Marcinko – attended the Senior Center luncheon; reported that it was very nice. Also, the auditor general’s office had their exit interview today; it went well. She asked why the fire hydrant at 2nd & T Streets was removed. Mr. Heefner indicated that it did not have the proper size pipes; a new hydrant has been ordered and will be installed as soon as it is received. Mr. Shaver – Radio systems are going to need to be replaced by 2013 in the Public Works trucks (older ones). He is checking with vendors about replacement. We should reapply for narrow-band channels and/or work through the county system – highway/water/police/fire/EMS. Narrow banding is required by the FCC; no funding is available. Mr. Wright – asked Mr. DeSanto to send a letter to all department heads thanking them for holding the line on budget items, therefore, not having to raise taxes. He also thanked everyone for their hard work this year, including council and all staff. -6-  Steelton Borough Council Meeting December 20, 2010 Mr. Albert– Happy Holidays to All. Mr. Spencer –Asked if Council members have to take the NIMS certification tests. Mr. DeSanto indicated that they need to take 701, 702 703 and 704. Office staff will make sure all council members have the link to NIMS. On motion by Mr. Shaver, seconded by Ms. Marcinko, the Council meeting recessed into executive session at 8:07p.m.to discuss personnel matters, land acquisition and potential litigation. Motion to go back into general session by Ms. Marcinko; seconded by Mr. Heefner. The Council meeting reconvened at 9:07p.m. ADJOURNMENT: There being no other business before Council, on a motion by Mr. Shaver, seconded by Mr. Spencer, the meeting adjourned at 9:09p.m. Respectfully submitted, _____________________________ _______________________________ John M. DeSanto, Jr. Kathy I. Sosnowski Borough Secretary/Treasurer Executive Administrative Assistant -7-