City Council

Steelton Borough Council Meeting March 21, 2011 The regular monthly meeting was called to order at 6:30 p.m. by President, Jeffery Wright, with the pledge of allegiance, followed by a moment of silence. In Attendance: Absent: Jeffery Wright Stephen Shaver Michael Albert Dennis Heefner MaryJo Szada Maria Marcinko Raymond Spencer Mayor Thomas Acri David A. Wion, Solicitor Douglas E. Brown, Secretary/Treasurer Kathy I. Sosnowski, Executive Assistant John M. DeSanto, Jr., Executive Assistant Ed Ellinger, HRG APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETINGS AS PRESENTED: A motion was made by Mr. Heefner to approve the March 7, 2011 minutes, seconded by Mr. Albert and approved unanimously. APPROVAL OF SCHEDULES OF BILLINGS, REQUISITIONS AND CHANGE ORDERS AS PRESENTED: A motion was made to approve the schedules by Mr. Heefner, seconded by Mr. Albert and approved unanimously. APPROVAL OF DEPARTMENT REPORTS: Neighborhood & Economic Development Fire and Ambulance Personnel Police Public Works Code Enforcement Mayor’s Report PUBLIC WORKS (Mr. Heefner) - They did not have a meeting this week, but wanted to let Council know that the river deposited 8 inches of mud on the boat dock. Most of the mud was scraped off, but they are going to ask the Fire Department to wash the dock down after the river recedes. -1-  Steelton Borough Council Meeting March 21, 2011 Mr. Heefner and Mr. Brown recently visited the Dauphin County Redevelopment Authority to inform them that the Adams Street Project’s next step – the infrastructure/retaining wall - has been started. It is understood that the wall and bank will not be the county’s responsibility if the county takes over the town home development portion of the project. They will meet again on April 12th to discuss grant money and the county’s interest in the project; Mr. Musser said that we may be able to gain money for these projects. Mr. Shaver had a question about the Public Works Monthly Report. Mr. Heefner said they would talk later. MAYOR’S REPORT – Last month’s meeting in Highspire was cancelled; the next meeting is scheduled for May 18th at 7:00pm at Steelton Borough Hall. The Zoning Board is scheduled to meet that day; we need to check whether there will be a conflict. FIRE DEPARTMENT – Mr. Shaver made a motion to approve the new Fire Department driver list provided in the packet; Mr. Albert seconded and the list was approved unanimously. A motion was made by Mr. Albert to approve all department reports, seconded by Ms. Marcinko and unanimously approved by the rest of Council. PUBLIC COMMENT: Agenda Items Only Angela & Fedor Hernandez, 1 N. Harrisburg St. – they are property owners referring to a small parcel behind their house littered with old, broken concrete, tires and other trash. They requested that the Borough bequeath the property to them and they will take care of disposing of the items and future upkeep. Mr. Wion said that Resolution R1996-24 states that Sweetbriar Alley was never used as an alley because it is topographically not possible, and that the Borough of Steelton and Swatara Township both own 10 feet. Mr. Wion also said that by operation of law, they own and can clean up the property; Mr. Shaver said if they do that, they may consider Steelton’s 10 feet their property. NEW BUSINESS: Kara Allison, APR, Hull and Associates, Inc. – presented a report on the recent Brownfields assessment. Seven sites have been designated for surveys/questionnaires. One of the questions the committee approached was whether the previous owner of Mark’s Service Station could have the means to help with the clean-up. The August clean-up grant would be used for Mark’s/Biks/Empty Lot. ($90,000 – Petroleum Grant; $80,000 – Hazardous Substance Grant) Ms. Allison also indicated that the Mellon Bank Building is a High Priority property to finish. It was also mentioned that the parking lot from Locust St. to Trewick St. behind Front St. should be included. Mr. Acri stated that Phase II USEPA funds for clean-up grants will be released in August and are due in October. This is a joint venture, countywide for 1 million dollars. -2-  Steelton Borough Council Meeting March 21, 2011 Mr. Shaver reminded everyone that the parking lot from Locust St. to Trewick St. was taken care of in Phase I when it was purchased, which released the steel mill from all responsibility. Mr. Musser indicated that the old PA Canal was filled with materials which allow the Borough to move forward. Ms. Allison will move this project to the Phase II list. COMMUNICATION: F. M. Oppel – letter with annual chemical inventory notification was included in packets; no action needed. Keystone Human Services – invitation to their “Night of Design” event; Mr. Brown gave brief overview of the event but indicated that the cost was prohibitive for anyone in the Borough to attend. Alexis Mare and Wesley Kauffman – thank you letter to the Steelton Police Department and Sgt. David Crawford. Motion to include the letter in the personnel file made by Ms. Marcinko, seconded by Mr. Albert and approved unanimously. HACC – Crime Scene Management and Documentation Course completion confirmation for Off. Anthony Minium. Motion to include the confirmation in the personnel file made by Mr. Albert, seconded by Ms. Marcinko and approved unanimously. John E. Reid and Associates – certification of Sgt. John King in their Interview and Interrogation course. Motion to include the certificate in the personnel file made by Ms. Marcinko, seconded by Mr. Albert and approved unanimously. Taser Training Academy – instruction certification for Off. Dennis Basonic, Sr. and Sgt. John King. Motion to include the certificates in the personnel file made by Mr. Shaver, seconded by Ms. Marcinko and approved unanimously. Cub Scouts Pack 201 – thank you letter to Officer Elhajj for attending their den meeting and speaking to the scouts about safety awareness and other issues. Motion to include the letter in the personnel file made by Mr. Shaver, seconded by Mr. Albert and approved unanimously. Mockenhaupt Benefits Group – Mr. Brown has received the Actuarial Valuation Report for Non-Uniform Employees. The report is in his office if anyone would like to review it. Industrial Appraisal Company – Mr. Brown has received the Annual Revaluation Report on Borough Properties. The report is in his office if anyone would like to review it. -3-  Steelton Borough Council Meeting March 21, 2011 Ms. Carol Pearson – letter to Council requesting relief from a portion of her sewer bill. Ms. Pearson told the Mayor that the house has been vacant for one month; she has no argument with the water portion of the bill, but has a problem with the sewer portion. There is no sewer in the basement, so she doesn’t feel she should have to pay that part of the bill. The letter also states that she didn’t pay any part of the bill; a Borough employee told her to hold it until the issue was resolved. Mr. Heefner said that if residents use the water, they should pay the bill. He also stated that our employees need to be more responsible and not make promises to residents. This is a personnel issue and will be handled in executive session. UNFINISHED BUSINESS: Ed Ellinger and Joshua Fox, HRG – submitted payment #5 in the amount of $251,731.61 for reimbursement for costs related to the East End Sewer Separation Project (EESSP). Mr. Shaver made a motion to approve reimbursement of payment #5, seconded by Ms. Marcinko and Mr. Albert simultaneously and approved by remaining Council members. HRG also submitted PennVest reimbursement request for payment #9 in the amount of $274,134.11 for costs also related to the EESSP. Ms. Marcinko made a motion to approve reimbursement of PennVest #9, seconded by Mr. Albert and approved unanimously. Mr. Ellinger then submitted Change Order #1 to pay the contractor $32,163.70 for Amtrak flagmen while construction is taking place at the East End Project. A motion was made to approve payment by Mr. Shaver, seconded by Ms. Spencer and approved unanimously. He also submitted an invoice from the State Museum of Pa. Archaeology in the amount of $700 for storage of two boxes of materials dug up ($350 per box). A motion was made to approve payment by Mr. Albert, reluctantly seconded by Mr. Heefner and approved unanimously. Finally, Mr. Ellinger and Mr. Fox said that the Borough needs to review the numbers on the EESSProject. ($330,000 in contingency/$240,000 spent) Several projects mentioned were the landscaping at Dura Bond and installation of a new pipe up Felton St. It was decided that a meeting should be scheduled with Mr. Ellinger, Mr. Heefner and Mr. Conjar. Mr. Ellinger feels that the landscaping should be done at Dura Bond to create a buffer zone. Ms. Marcinko asked if the pipe repair at the top of Felton St. was more important. Mr. Ellinger said that it’s not in great shape. Ms. Marcinko stated that she thinks the repair at Second and Felton Sts. should be number one on the list of upcoming projects. Mr. Ellinger then indicated that the costs for that project (ancillary pipes, laterals, etc.) will possibly be more expensive than the amount of money we have left. -4-  Steelton Borough Council Meeting March 21, 2011 Mr. Shaver and Mr. Heefner requested information on the East End residents’ concerns about the gas smell in that area and near the gate at the firing range. Mr. Shaver said the old coke ovens could emit some smell, as well as UGI; Mr. Heefner added that UGI abandoned a shutoff valve there. Mr. Shaver did ask Chief Vance to check into the situation. Mr. Wright suggested that a meeting be scheduled between Mr. Heefner, Mr. Conjar and Mr. Ellinger. Mr. Ellinger announced that Rogele has mobilized on the Adams Street project. They have started installing the sanitary sewer lines. Mr. Heefner asked if the construction of the retaining wall was guaranteed. Mr. Ellinger stated that the sub grade was checked by geotechnical experts before construction. Mr. Heefner asked if the wall will be below the frost line; Mr. Ellinger said that he thought it would. NEW BUSINESS, CON’T.: Mayor Acri – brought forth a recommendation by the Neighborhood and Economic Development Committee to forego the proposed bus stop on Front and Dupont Sts. He stated that Mittal Steel will agree to foreclose that piece of land for the stop, as long as more than one person will use it. Mr. Brown said that only one person has contacted the Borough about the stop; more constituent input would be needed before any movement could be made on the project. Maintenance of the structure was also a concern (the Mohn Street structure was vandalized several times). A motion was made by Mr. Heefner to dismiss the idea, seconded by Mr. Albert and approved unanimously. Mr. Wion – presented Resolution 2011-R-6 authorizing the Borough Secretary Treasurer to act on behalf of the Borough of Steelton on all matters concerning the Guaranteed Energy Savings Project (ESCO). A motion was made to approve the resolution by Mr. Shaver, seconded by Mr. Albert and approved unanimously. Mr. Heefner was concerned that the Veterans’ Park, the Boat Dock and the Municipal Building front lights were not included in the ESCO contract, even though they are lit 12 hours a day in winter; Mr. Patrick Regan did not return his call on the matter. He also indicated that the fire station lighting is not acceptable; Mr. Brown will check on this. Mr. Brown indicated that light fixtures have already been ordered and that work should begin mid-April. Ms. Marcinko asked if old bulbs could be recycled to the Mellon Bank Building. Mr. Brown said there could be a “chain of custody” problem in taking lighting from the Borough and giving it to another entity. Mr. DeSanto added that Patriot had said that parks would not be cost-effective for inclusion in the project due to low costs for each area. Mr. Wion – presented Resolution 2011-R-7 authorizing the Borough of Steelton Police Chief to make application for transfer of federally forfeited property. A motion to approve the resolution was made by Mr. Albert, seconded by Ms. Marcinko and approved unanimously. -5-  Steelton Borough Council Meeting March 21, 2011 Mr. Wright then turned the meeting over to Mr. Shaver. Mr. Shaver announced the official resignation of Mr. John DeSanto effective at the end of the business day on April 1, 2011, reading parts of a letter dated 3/21/11. A motion was made to accept the resignation by Mr. Shaver, seconded by Mr. Heefner and approved unanimously. OTHER BUSINESS: Douglas E. Brown – requested an executive session to discuss personnel matters, land acquisition and potential litigation issues. AUDIENCE PARTICIPATION: None. COUNCIL’S CONCERNS: Ms. Marcinko – she received several complaints from East End residents about people walking pets and throwing the feces in newspaper bags up into the trees on the property that abuts the quarry; the smell/sight was deplorable. She also mentioned that she was concerned that the Borough will not be able to sell the beautiful new townhouses being built because of the condition of a nearby property. She wondered if the Blighted Community Bill would address this type of property. Mr. DeSanto reminded her that this situation was previously discussed with the owner, Ms. Zell, and District Justice Lenker; we should take the matter to executive session. She reported the progress of SBCC: as of Thursday, 103 cats were spayed/neutered. Thirty eight (38) were pregnant, which took many kittens off the street. She told Mr. Brown what a great job he was doing on the parade. She congratulated the Fire Department on the Awards Banquet. Mayor Acri – told Ms. Marcinko “Good Luck” with the property owner she was concerned about near Adams St. He also mentioned a property he has noticed that needs a lot of improvements. Mr. Wright – encouraged everyone to check out the progress on the East End and Adams Street projects. He thanked everyone for attending the meeting and invited them to join the Borough for the Veterans’ Appreciation Parade on Saturday, May 7th at noon. -6-  Steelton Borough Council Meeting March 21, 2011 On motion by Mr. Albert, seconded by Mr. Heefner, the Council meeting recessed into executive session at 7:45p.m.to discuss personnel matters. The Council meeting reconvened at 8:46p.m. with a motion by Mr. Shaver, seconded by Mr. Spencer. Concerning the Adams Street project, Mr. Heefner suggested that since we are doing the sewer laterals, we should do the water laterals as well, with the Water Authority paying. (A Community Development Block Grant is paying for lighting, paving, sidewalks, curbing, etc.) Mr. Acri and Mr. Spencer were not willing to okay this without other Authority members’ knowledge. Mr. Conjar is getting estimates for water laterals and costs involved. Mr. Wion reminded everyone that any expenditure cannot be authorized without a public meeting. Concerning HRG’s Sewer Rate Study, Mr. Heefner mentioned that they charged us $1,000 more because their person (Adrienne) did much of the legwork for us. At 8:55p.m., Mr. Wion requested another short executive session to discuss possible litigation issues. At 9:05p.m., we resumed the regular Council meeting. Mr. Brown reminded Council that he will be at the PELRAS Conference from Wednesday, 3/23 until Friday, 3/25. The condition of the Code Enforcement vehicle was discussed. The mileage is over 100,000 miles. Costs estimated from Highspire Auto Truck are $1,704.66. Several ideas were suggested: If we lease the Mexican Restaurant to Jorge, he will donate a vehicle for Sylvie. Mr. Heefner asked if we could get a rebuilt block and how much this would cost. Mr. DeSanto suggested leasing a vehicle from COSTARS. Mr. Shaver said that no matter what is decided, we still need a better maintenance program on our vehicles. Mr. Acri informed Council that the Fire Department has concerns with the concrete pad in front of the garage. Every time a truck pulls out of the bay, it hits bottom. HRG gave them a bid of $22,000 for repair/replacement of the outside pad (the inside pads were put on a list for local match of casino money). Mr. Shaver suggested rearrangement of the firehouse for now – moving the ambulances to the other end of the building. Mr. Acri will check into this possibility. Ms. Marcinko would like to be informed of who will get the money if the bank building is sold. -7-  Steelton Borough Council Meeting March 21, 2011 ADJOURNMENT: There being no other business before Council, on a motion by Dr. Szada, seconded by Mr. Spencer, the meeting adjourned at 9:14p.m. Respectfully submitted, ______________________________ ______________________________ Douglas E. Brown Kathy I. Sosnowski Borough Secretary/Treasurer Executive Assistant -8-