City Council

Steelton Borough Council Meeting June 20, 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 David A. Wion, Solicitor Stephen Shaver Michael Albert Dennis Heefner MaryJo Szada Maria Marcinko Raymond Spencer Mayor Thomas Acri Douglas E. Brown, Borough Manager Kathy I. Sosnowski, Executive Assistant Michael Musser, Consultant Matt Cichy, Herbert, Rowland & Grubic APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETINGS AS PRESENTED: A motion was made by Mr. Shaver to approve the June 6, 2011 minutes, seconded by Mr. Albert and approved by all present with the following correction: [On page 3, 5th paragraph amount should read: $1.3 million, NOT $1/3 million.] EXECUTIVE SESSION HELD BETWEEN MEETINGS None. APPROVAL OF SCHEDULES OF BILLINGS, REQUISITIONS AND CHANGE ORDERS AS PRESENTED: A motion was made by Mr. Albert to approve billings, requisitions and change orders as presented, seconded by Mr. Heefner and approved by all present. APPROVAL OF DEPARTMENT REPORTS: Neighborhood & Economic Development Fire and Ambulance Personnel Police -1-  Steelton Borough Council Meeting June 20, 2011 Public Works – due to scheduling conflicts, they did not have a meeting this month. The highway building was broken into over the weekend; small tools and other items were taken. Because of this, they have ceased the use of work-release help for now. In response to concerns about tractor-trailers not having enough room at Front & Locust Streets, Mr. Heefner suggested several options: take the bump-outs out, put a Jersey barrier on Locust St. coming out of the steel mill, or taking the ballards out (which would cost money). Mr. Wright recommended that both subjects be discussed further in Executive Session. Mr. Heefner also said that he would take the information to the Public Works Committee. Code Enforcement Mayor’s Report – The Mayor reported that Chief Spangler and Mr. Conjar are working together regarding the break-in over the weekend. A motion was made to approve the Departmental Reports by Mr. Shaver, seconded by Mr. Albert and approved by all present. PUBLIC COMMENT: Agenda Items Only None. COMMUNICATION: Ryan Mohn Walk – Invitation to participate on August 13. 2011 and request for assistance from the Borough – tents, walkie talkies, Fire Police, etc. Dauphin County Office of Commissioners – Comprehensive Study of Fire and Emergency Services in Dauphin County – letter received June 14, 2011. Matt Cichy -Herbert, Rowland and Grubic (HRG) – notice of substantial completion for the East End Sewer Separation Project (EESSP). UNFINISHED BUSINESS: Matt Cichy – Herbert, Rowland and Grubic - A job conference is scheduled for June 21st to finalize the landscaping project; Mr. Cichy said that Black Landscaping is the contractor. There was some discussion about the paving issues related to the project. Some streets were paved curb-to-curb; others were just patched. Mr. Spencer asked if it would be feasible to repave all streets involved; Mr. Cichy indicated that it would be too expensive. -2-  Steelton Borough Council Meeting June 20, 2011 Mr. Brown – requested approval to pay BWB Demolition for the demolition of 227 Adams Street; he noted that he is holding the invoice until completion of the project, but needs council approval to fit within the grant deadline. A motion was made by Mr. Shaver to approve payment, seconded by Mr. Albert and approved by all present. Matt Cichy (HRG) – presented the monthly Engineers Report and Contractor Application for payment #8 related to the EESSP. Mr. Shaver asked if this includes the paving of Front Street; Matt said only some paving is being included. Mr. Heefner suggested holding payment until the project is inspected and approved. Mr. Shaver then made a motion to approve payment less all paving ($317,745.12), seconded by Mr. Albert and approved by all present. A motion was made to approve PennVest reimbursement request #12 (less payment for paving) by Mr. Shaver, seconded by Ms. Marcinko and approved by all present. Matt Cichy (HRG) – presented an amendment to the Sewer Rate Study Agreement providing for additional scope of services. He reported that the study will include Swatara Twp. Billing summaries and will not exceed $3,600.00. A motion was made by Mr. Shaver to approve the study, seconded by Mr. Heefner and approved by all present. Matt Cichy (HRG) – presented an updated proposal from the contractor regarding landscaping at the EESSP near Dura Bond. The contractor said his fee would be $75,360. Mr. Heefner suggested that he made his offer so high because he doesn’t want to do the project since it is past the planting period to plant. He suggested waiting until September and having other landscapers provide bids and pricing. Mr. Shaver asked if we are over the threshold for spending; if the work in the contract will get done. Mr. Heefner indicated that planting is being done below street level; by the time the trees grow, it will defeat the purpose of putting them there in the first place. Mr. Cichy wondered if the trees could be deleted from the contract and Dura Bond right-of-way agreement. Mr. Wright tabled the issue until Council can speak to Mr. Wion. NEW BUSINESS: Mr. Brown – letter received from Grace Temple Community Development Inc. to block off certain streets for Community Day. The initial request was to block off 4th Street from Pine Street. to Locust Street. Due to traffic limitations, Chief Spangler suggested blocking off Mulberry Alley from 4th Street to Harrisburg Street. A motion to approve the request was made by Mr. Spencer, seconded by Mr. Albert and approved by all present. Mr. Brown – presented a letter stating that Keystone Collections Group will become the official tax collector for the Dauphin County Tax Collection District (DCTCD) effective January 1, 2012. He discussed the transition schedule with Keystone. He is working with Capital Tax and Keystone to ensure a seamless transition. -3-  Steelton Borough Council Meeting June 20, 2011 AUDIENCE PARTICIPATION: Pauline Douglas, 433 Bessemer St. – she questioned whether the Boat Dock was public and if residents needed a fishing license to fish there; she was assured that the dock is public and a license can be obtained from the Fish Commission (a license for fishing is required everywhere in Pennsylvania). She also asked if Harrisburg is going to charge us extra for water rates; Mr. Shaver explained that Harrisburg processes our sewage and Mr. Heefner added that the Borough is working with other townships and boroughs in a dispute over their charges. Her final question was who can be on the Neighborhood & Economic Development Committee. It was explained that only elected Council members can serve; Mr. Wright added that three members now serve, but she can make recommendations to the committee at any time. Emuel Powell, 321 Lebanon St. – he has concerns about Adams Street from Daron Alley to 2nd Street. He feels that Adams Street should be blocked off completely and residents should be allowed to park on the grass on Lebanon Street. Mr. Heefner reminded him that there is a Borough ordinance that does not allow parking on the grass. Also, residents are blocking the dumpsters at the Cyrene Lodge and the waste company won’t pick up the garbage if the dumpsters are blocked. Mr. Spencer said that if “No Parking” signs are there, they should have the cars towed. Council asked Mr. Brown to clarify who owns the parking area beside the Lodge. Jean Barr, 349 S. 4th St. – she apologized for being late and thanked Council for still letting her speak. She commented on what a nice (short and sweet) meeting it has been tonight and asked if we could have more meetings like this. Also, she asked if the Borough could put a stop sign at the “T” intersection connecting Third Street with Swatara Street. Chief Spangler indicated that this would involve a traffic study, but also said a sign being put there would probably not be likely – mostly because snowy winter weather would make stopping very hazardous. Finally, she asked if any Steel-High players were in the Big 33 Football Game (No) and felt the game was “really lame”! COUNCIL’S CONCERNS: Ms. Marcinko – she commended Chief Spangler for such a good job in keeping overtime hours low and announced that a record 116 cats were captured on Thursday! Mr. Wright – he thanked everyone for coming, agreed with Ms. Barr about preferring short meetings, and announced that the next meeting is scheduled for July 5, 2011. He also asked that Mr. Shaver, as Vice President preside over the meeting since he will be out of town. -4-  Steelton Borough Council Meeting June 20, 2011 Mr. Brown – he announced that the restaurant The Steel Meal is having their Grand Opening on Saturday, June 25th at 11:00am. Borough Manager – requested an executive session to discuss personnel matters, land acquisition and potential litigation issues. On motion by Mr. Shaver, seconded by Mr. Albert, the Council meeting recessed into executive session at 7:17p.m.to discuss personnel matters. The Council meeting reconvened at 7:53p.m. with a motion by Dr. Szada, seconded by Mr. Albert. ADJOURNMENT: There being no other business before Council, on a motion by Dr. Szada, seconded by Mr. Albert, the meeting adjourned at 7:54p.m. Respectfully submitted, ______________________________ ______________________________ Douglas E. Brown Kathy I. Sosnowski Borough Manager Executive Assistant -5-