City Council

Steelton Borough Council Meeting July 18, 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 Douglas E. Brown, Borough Manager Stephen Shaver Michael Albert Dennis Heefner MaryJo Szada Maria Marcinko Raymond Spencer Mayor Thomas Acri David A. Wion, Solicitor Kathy I. Sosnowski, Executive Assistant APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETINGS AS PRESENTED: A motion was made to approve the June 23, 2011 minutes by Mr. Shaver, seconded by Mr. Albert and approved unanimously. A motion was made to table the July 5, 2011 minutes by Mr. Shaver, seconded by Mr. Albert and approved unanimously. EXECUTIVE SESSION HELD BETWEEN MEETINGS None. APPROVAL OF SCHEDULES OF BILLINGS, REQUISITIONS AND CHANGE ORDERS AS PRESENTED: None. APPROVAL OF DEPARTMENT REPORTS: Neighborhood & Economic Development Fire and Ambulance Personnel Police – Ms. Marcinko congratulated Chief Spangler for keeping overtime down again this month. Public Works –Mr. Heefner reported that the electric will be finished at the boat dock by Wednesday, July 20, 2011. Also, the grills have been installed. He and Doug recently visited the boat dock area; it is very muddy. They would like to develop a program for the upkeep of the boat dock area. Council also asked if it was possible to -1-  Steelton Borough Council Meeting July 18, 2011 develop a program for residents to camp over weekends at the left of the dock area. Mr. Wright directed Mr. Heefner to check on costs involved, whether it is Borough property, and have Mr. Conjar work on the cleanup issue. Mr. Heefner also suggested that maintenance, plants and shrubs for the boat dock be put in next year’s budget; he and Doug also want to plant grass seed to extend the area. Mr. Spencer asked if we ever had a public awareness campaign, such as a press release or TV news report. Mr. Heefner said that the Patriot News did print an article some time ago. Mr. Heefner said he will talk to Mr. Brown to coordinate an official announcement of the boat dock opening, including Council, local dignitaries and the Dauphin County Recreation Commission. On the subject of replacing the ballards at Front and Locust Sts., Mr. Heefner said engineering is already over budget. He asked if a jersey barrier could be placed to protect the remaining ballards. Mr. Shaver stated that 5 ballards are out, and he wondered why none of them was replaced; we should have some in stock and they should be covered by insurance. One issue is that the drivers hitting the ballards are not being caught. Mr. Heefner reminded Council that the public works staff is short-handed and they are trying to prioritize their workload. Mr. Heefner also asked Council’s permission to allow Steve Brubacher to work part time to help the Public Works Department get caught up. On July 7, 2011 Mr. Shaver, Mr. Heefner and Mr. Brown met to discuss the MOU on Adams St.; changes were made to the MOU with the county. Another spring was found coming down the street; before we turn the land over to the county, we need to find out where the water is coming from. The subdivision was presented to the county. Mr. Wright directed further conversation be conducted in executive session. Mr. Shaver requested that Mr. Wion develop the language and draft documentation so that portion won’t change. Mr. Shaver also said we should move forward with the initial agreement; he will comment further at executive session. Code Enforcement Mayor’s Report – The Mayor reminded everyone of upcoming events: 1) the Back-to-School bash on August 13th at Second and Locust Sts., 2) the Ryan Mohn Walk also on the 13th, 3) the final Police Committee Meeting on Wednesday, July 27th at 5:30pm, and 4) National Night Out is scheduled for August 3rd from 6:00 to 8:00pm. Also, the Dauphin/Lebanon County Boroughs Association dinner meeting will be held on Tuesday, July 26th; the September meeting will be held at the Steelton Boat Dock. Finally, the Mayor reminded everyone that the 9/11 Memorial dedication will be held at the firehouse (the memorial includes steel from the World Trade Center, as well as granite from the other areas affected by the 9/11 attacks). A motion to approve the Department Reports was made by Ms. Marcinko, seconded by Mr. Albert and approved unanimously. -2-  Steelton Borough Council Meeting July 18, 2011 PUBLIC COMMENT: Agenda Items Only. Mr. Emuel Powell wanted to comment on the boat dock discussion, but was told that the boat dock was not an agenda item. COMMUNICATION: A letter was presented from Jaoa & Bradley Construction thanking Joey for his cooperation during East End Sewer Separation Project. A motion was made to place a copy of the letter in Mr. Conjar’s personnel file by Mr. Shaver, seconded by Mr. Albert and approved unanimously. A letter was presented from the Dauphin County Department of Solid Waste Management regarding their notice of intent to submit a non-substantial solid waste management plan revision. A letter was presented from the Dauphin County Conservation District confirming their meeting with the Steelton Borough Neighborhood and Economic Development Committee on August 8, 2011 at 6:00pm to review flood plain management. A letter was presented from the Dauphin County Planning Commission with a notice of summer 2011 outreach meetings including the agenda (Steelton’s meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, August 24th at 7:00pm. A letter was presented from the Dauphin-Lebanon County Boroughs Association with an invitation to the July 26th dinner meeting in Jonestown. (Mr. Shaver noted that the August meeting is scheduled for the 24th.) A letter was presented from Pastor William Rucker and Ms. Marsha Wright on behalf of New Hope Living Baptist Church requesting permission to use Municipal Park for a church outing on August 21st from 1:00pm to 7:00pm. The request was approved with a motion by Mr. Shaver, seconded by Mr. Spencer and approved unanimously. A proposal was presented by Elliott Greenleaf and Balaban (EGB) for collection of delinquent real estate taxes to provide immediate revenue. They gave the example: the end of year taxes to collections, EGB would purchase the delinquencies and the Borough would receive 90 percent of the face amount; the county would collect penalties and interest. (Presently, a Wall Street company keeps 25 to 30 percent of a dollar – this amount would come back to the Borough with this proposal.) Attorneys, the bank and EGB would get 10 percent; the Borough would still get 90 percent of the fees (non-profit). This facilitates rebuilding in the future. They noted that Nanticoke and Pittston are using their services; they are both small towns, too. In response to a question from Mr. Heefner, they indicated that they purchase everything (tax claim). EGB has a lock-box at the bank; the county tells them what amount goes to -3-  Steelton Borough Council Meeting July 18, 2011 Wall Street and what amount goes to the Borough. Mr. Shaver noted that the local Redevelopment Authority is the 3rd party non-profit. They try to keep everything local; the re-purchase clause (Article 3) is negotiable; we would keep control of our distressed properties. Mr. Heefner asked what could change in three years; they responded that budgets would stay level (they would work with the solicitor). EGB also noted that the Steel-High School District (Leigh Beth/Allen Smith) already has a contract with them. Mr. Wion asked if there would be a yearly contract. EGB said that there would be a one-year renewable contract, with an addendum to the original agreement to renew. Mr. Shaver asked if Mr. Brown was informed of this proposal; Mr. Heefner indicated that the issue was brought up right before Mr. Brown left for vacation. Mr. Shaver recommended that EGB be scheduled to present their proposal to the Finance Committee at their next meeting, and that EGB give Mr. Wion all sample documents for review and contact information. Reverend Taylor of New Zion Jerusalem Church, 219 Locust St. appeared before Council to request that a “NO PARKING SUNDAY 7AM-2PM” be placed on the right side of Locust Street between Third Street and the alley. Chief Spangler informed him that the police department would perform a traffic study to determine the possibilities. The situation will be resolved at the next Council meeting. UNFINISHED BUSINESS: D. Wion presented Resolution 2011-R-11 amending 2009-R-42 “Adopting a rate schedule pursuant to Article XI (sic) of Chapter 90, “Sewers” of the Code of the Borough of Steelton, Pennsylvania”, by establishing a new quarterly sewer rate service charge and new sewer usage rate charges. Mr. Wion indicated that “Option A” was adopted at the Special Council Meeting on June 23rd. The Resolution states that there will be a $15.00 service charge. Also, usage per 1,000 gallons will be charged as follows: residential=$11.75, commercial=$21.20, industrial=$21.20, institutional=$21.00. These rates will be reflected in the August water and sewer bill. A motion was made by Mr. Albert, seconded by Ms. Marcinko and approved unanimously to approve Resolution 2011-R-11. D. Wion presented Ordinance 2011-5 amending the Code of the Borough of Steelton, Pennsylvania, Chapter 90 “Sewers”, Article I “Terminology”, 90-1 “Definitions”, by revising the definition for commercial establishment and by adding definitions for dwelling unit, institutional establishment, multi-residential establishment, and service charge. A motion was made by Mr. Shaver, seconded by Mr. Albert and approved unanimously to approve Ordinance 2011-5. -4-  Steelton Borough Council Meeting July 18, 2011 Matt Cichy presented Herbert, Rowland & Grubic’s monthly Engineer’s Report and Penn Vest disbursement request #13. Mr. Cichy indicated that the EESSP work is completed; an inspection was done on June 29, 2011. A new authorization form is needed to update the signature line from John DeSanto to Doug Brown. Mr. Wright requested that the necessary changes be made. A motion was made by Mr. Shaver to process the change, seconded by Mr. Albert and approved unanimously. A motion was made by Mr. Albert, seconded by Mr. Heefner and approved unanimously to approve Disbursement Request #13 in the amount of $28,354.94 for financing, accounting and engineering fees. Matt Cichy presented contractor application for payment #2 (Adams St.) in the amount of $130,917.81, along with the final change order (with a net increase of $2,095.10). He also requested an extension due to high rainfall. A motion was made by Mr. Heefner, seconded by Mr. Albert and approved unanimously to give HRG an extension. Ms. Marcinko stated concerns about a new spring being found under Adams Street; why was it not found during the preliminary engineering study? Mr. Cichy indicated that the Borough performed the first test and chlorine was found. Therefore, they assumed that there was a water leak. During a second test, no chlorine was found. Ms. Marcinko still wondered why they didn’t find the spring then; the geotechnical engineer noted that the spring may not be detectable on the surface. Mr. Spencer wanted to know who is responsible for the new costs that will be incurred. Mr. Cichy said the drains were functioning; the Mayor inferred that the Borough would be responsible for additional costs. Mr. Heefner suggested making test holes on Ridge St. to see if there is a spring, residential leak or storm water runoff. Mr. Shaver stated his concern with making payment #2 with work to still be done. Mr. Heefner suggested submitting invoices to cover HRA due dates, but not actually paying them yet. On another note, Mr. Shaver said he is concerned about the SR-230 payment being made when the Borough is not satisfied. Mr. Spencer questioned how many concerns there are. Mr. Cichy listed large stones, grass, and stakes for wall construction. Dr. Szada agreed that paying for work that isn’t really done yet provides the potential that it may not get done properly. A motion was made by Mr. Shaver, seconded by Mr. Albert and approved unanimously to accept the invoice for payment, but hold the check until work is completed. AUDIENCE PARTICIPATION: Emuel Powell, 321 Lebanon St. – stated his concern that most senior citizens don’t know that the boat dock even exists. He suggested a bus trip to see the dock for “Senior Day”. -5-  Steelton Borough Council Meeting July 18, 2011 Mr. Wright responded that if we did this for seniors, every organization would expect the same treatment; transportation would also be a problem. Mr. Powell also wondered why the dock was never publicized; Mr. Wright reminded him that the dock has been around for years; Mayor Hartwick started this project years ago. There also have been two (2) dedications; the media was there for both events. Mr. Wright asked if the Chief would kindly take Mr. Powell to see the dock; Chief Spangler said that he would make the arrangements. Finally, regarding the Adams Street water issue, Mr. Powell informed everyone that the spring has had water running from the cemetery to the canal for years. The documents needed to launch are a boat dock permit, stickers for the towing vehicle and trailer, as well as the boat. Dr. Szada asked who is responsible for enforcement. The Mayor said that the Steelton Police Department tries to stop by the dock area several times a day. Mr. Albert added that the Fish and Boat Commission also check on the dock area (his daughter was questioned when she and a friend launched a kayak). Dr. Szada expressed concern that the police have more important things to do; the Mayor interjected that the Police Department was formed to enforce the Code of the Borough of Steelton. Ms. Marcinko checked to make sure residents could picnic and fish; as long as they have a valid PA fishing license that would be okay. In response to a question from Mr. Spencer, it was stated that all Steelton parks, including the boat dock area are “NO ALCOHOL” zones (the Mayor said that has been in the Borough Code for at least twelve (12) years). COUNCIL’S CONCERNS: Mr. Heefner – informed Mr. Albert that in order to put a kayak in at the boat dock, the towing vehicle/trailer needs to have a sticker, but the kayak does not. Ms. Marcinko – attended the 1st “Suburbs Consortium” at the White House for small communities and suburbs. One hundred, sixty (160) small boroughs and townships were represented; they will work directly with local officials for grant monies. The meetings were held in the South Auditorium (where press conferences are held). Many presidential staff members were present; Valerie Jarrett gave the closing remarks. Dr. Szada – stated that in Mr. Powell’s defense (referring to the boat dock), seniors don’t get opportunities to see new areas of the Borough. We need to show respect for our senior citizens, possibly by having some type of day for them. Mr. Wright – agrees with Dr. Szada, but questioned whether van access is still available for seniors (there is still a SEBO van in use). Also, the Steelton Senior Center is still functioning at the Macedonian Church at Front & Franklin Streets. Mayor Acri – thanked Ms. Marcinko for attending the Washington, DC event. -6-  Steelton Borough Council Meeting July 18, 2011 Mr. Wion – reminded Council that an Executive Session is needed to discuss personnel matters, land acquisition, etc. On motion by Mr. Albert, seconded by Mr. Spencer, the Council meeting recessed into executive session at 8:06p.m.to discuss personnel matters. Mr. Albert was then excused. Ms. Marcinko was excused at 8:31p.m. The Council meeting reconvened at 8:45p.m. with a motion by Mr. Shaver, seconded by Mr. Spencer. ADJOURNMENT: There being no other business before Council, on a motion by Mr. Shaver, seconded by Mr. Spencer, the meeting adjourned at 8:45p.m. Respectfully submitted, ______________________________ Kathy I. Sosnowski Executive Assistant -7-