City Council

Steelton Borough Council Meeting August 15, 2011 The regular monthly meeting was called to order at 6:32 p.m. by President, Jeffery Wright, with the pledge of allegiance, followed by a moment of silence. In Attendance: Absent: Jeffery Wright Michael Albert Stephen Shaver Dennis Heefner MaryJo Szada Maria Marcinko Raymond Spencer Mayor Thomas Acri David A. Wion, Solicitor Douglas E. Brown, Borough Manager Kathy I. Sosnowski, Executive Assistant APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETINGS AS PRESENTED: The July 5, 2011 minutes were tabled again. Mr. Shaver will discuss recommended changes with staff before bringing them up for consideration. A motion was made by Mr. Shaver, seconded by Mr. Spencer to approve the July 18, 2011 minutes, and approved unanimously by all present. Mr. Wion requested two changes which will be made by Ms. Sosnowski. [Pg. 2, 4th paragraph – no discussion in executive session and Pg. 4 – Unfinished Business – change the order of the Ordinance and Resolution] EXECUTIVE SESSION HELD BETWEEN MEETINGS Mr. Brown reported that an executive session was held on August 8, 2011 to discuss a police personnel issue. APPROVAL OF SCHEDULES OF BILLINGS, REQUISITIONS AND CHANGE ORDERS AS PRESENTED: A motion was made by Ms. Marcinko, seconded by Mr. Shaver to approve the general fund financial report for July 2011, and approved unanimously by all present. APPROVAL OF DEPARTMENT REPORTS: A motion was made by Ms. Marcinko, seconded by Mr. Spencer to approve department reports, and approved unanimously by all present. Neighborhood & Economic Development -1-  Steelton Borough Council Meeting August 15, 2011 Fire and Ambulance Personnel Police – Ms. Marcinko congratulated the Department for keeping down the numbers of overtime, sick leave used and vacation time used. Public Works – Mr. Heefner reported that the lighting is not yet complete at the boat dock. Code Enforcement Mayor’s Report – the Mayor asked for a head count by September 9, 2011 for the September 13, 2011 meeting at 6:00pm at the boat dock. He also asked that any contributions to the Fire Department be mailed by September 1, 2011. Finally, he thanked all participants in the “National Night Out” for a successful event. PUBLIC COMMENT: Agenda Items Only None. SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS: Barbara Barksdale – extended her thanks to President Wright for his attendance at Friends of Midland memorial ceremony, and presented an official Federal commemorative stamp with the cemetery’s logo on it. She also brought two envelopes with the stamp on them for Mr. Wright and the Mayor. (When asked if the stamps could be purchased, she said that unfortunately they could not.) Craig Bachik, Kairos Design – presented a “The New Steelton” documentary by Craig Hise. Mr. Bachik added that they have worked on similar projects in towns such as Johnstown, Aliquippa and other steel towns to revitalize areas in need. The documentary offered commemorative photos and West Side reminiscences, showing the diversity among members of the community. Mr. Bachik also introduced Dr. Patrick Byrne of Byrne Educational Works, who described a possible creation of “The Steelton Learning Academy” serving citizens from Pre-K to Gray. This endeavor would benefit residents of the Borough as well as local municipalities to provide workforce and career education. They then asked for Council permission to move forward with the project; Mr. Wright turned the matter over to the Neighborhood & Economic Development Committee for review. Mayor Acri also said that he would provide them with a copy of the video made previously by residents and WITF entitled “Our Towns: Steelton & Highspire”. Mr. Shaver suggested that they also contact Commissioner Hartwick and Superintendent Utley for more support. -2-  Steelton Borough Council Meeting August 15, 2011 Pat Giovannnini, Bikers and Belly Dancers Against Cancer – presented a donation to Sgt. John King as a thank you for making their ride through town a safe one. Sgt. King thanked them and said the Police Department would back them up any time they ride through town. NEW BUSINESS: Mr. Darrell Cox – complained of an extremely high water and sewer bill, including the $145 Home Occupation Fee. Mr. Heefner explained that there are several reasons for the rates being raised. The Borough has just completed a 4+million dollar sewer project in the East End Area which was mandated by the Federal and State government. Our debt service has raised 300%; sewer issues still exist and we still face compliance issues with the Department of Environmental Protection. Mr. Shaver reminded him that our wastewater is treated by Harrisburg, and their raised rates have “trickled down” to all localities who they serve. In fact, our engineers have discovered that the Borough would lose $300,000 in 2011 if they did not raise rates sooner. Mr. Cox asked if the Borough thought about switching from quarterly billing to monthly billing. Mr. Brown said that it has been discussed and could be brought up again. He added that Swatara Township also charges the $145 Home Occupation Fee in lieu of charging those residents the commercial volumetric rate. Mr. Spencer said it’s a tough issue and that we probably waited a little too long to change the fees, but the Borough is trying to solve these issues between construction at Adams Street and the Felton Lofts Apartments. We’re hoping these new projects will encourage young professionals and businesses to come to the area. Finally Ms. Marcinko pointed out that about 85% of our residents are fixed income/retired, so we really tried to hold rates on senior citizens – they previously paid the same as all others users. Mr. Ed Ellinger, Herbert, Rowland & Grubic (HRG) – presented Penn Vest reimbursement request #14 in the amount of $4,473.14 for the East End Sewer Separation Project (EESSP). A motion was made by Mr. Shaver, seconded by Mr. Heefner to approve the request and approved unanimously by all present. Mr. Ellinger also said that for the Penn Tech conference being held in May, 2012 they are looking for projects to focus on to show the progress and accounting of such events. They would like to proceed with the abstract on the project, but request Council’s permission. A motion was made by Mr. Shaver, seconded by Ms. Marcinko to approve using the project as a presentation to Penn Tech and approved unanimously by all present. Mr. Ellinger then presented an additional scope of work proposal related to NPDES Phase II MS4 not to exceed $6,000. A motion was made by Mr. Shaver, seconded by Mr. Spencer to approve the proposal and approved unanimously by all present. -3-  Steelton Borough Council Meeting August 15, 2011 Mr. Ellinger also presented an additional scope of services proposal related to the Adams Street Project Geotechnical Engineering Study not to exceed $8,000. A motion was made by Mr. Shaver, seconded by Mr. Heefner to approve the proposal and approved unanimously by all present. This infiltration testing is to comply with storm water management that has to be done as per the Department of Environmental Protection before you can run pipe off site. Referring to the water from the springs along Adams Street, Mr. Ellinger indicated that those homes do not have basements so the water cannot seep into basements, but will probably pool in the yards of the properties. Mr. Heefner asked how the water would be captured and stated that Council needs answers to their questions on drainage issues. Mr. Ellinger said that he would go back to HRG with the questions, and then keep in touch with Council and Mr. Brown. Mr. Shaver presented Resolution #12 to change the name of the agent on our PEMA Disaster #043-73888-00 dated February 14, 2011 from John DeSanto to Douglas Brown. A motion was made by Ms. Marcinko to approve Resolution #12, seconded by Mr. Spencer and approved unanimously by all present. Douglas E. Brown – requested an executive session to discuss personnel matters, land acquisition and potential litigation issues. The Council meeting recessed into executive session at 7:42p.m.to discuss personnel matters. The Council meeting reconvened at 8:18p.m. COMMUNICATION: Mockenhaupt – Mr. Wion requested that Council accept Mr. Brown’s certification for the 2012 Non-Uniform Pension Plan MMO in the amount of $80,560. A motion was made by Mr. Shaver, seconded by Mr. Spencer to approve the MMO, and approved unanimously by all present. Dauphin Co. Planning Comm. – an invitation was presented to summer outreach meetings; the August 24th meeting is being held at Steelton Borough Hall. Dauphin County DCED – an invitation was presented to participate in public hearings to discuss 2012 annual action plan for CDBG and HOME program. Verification was requested to check the time of the hearings; they are usually at 10:00am. Mr. Ellinger, HRG – issued the Substantial Completion for Work Contract on EESSP. He was asked to return to the next Council meeting to further explain the contract. Mr. Brown – informed Council of his request for an extension of Conservation Works! Grant contract period; an extension was granted until 12/15/11. They are one month -4-  Steelton Borough Council Meeting August 15, 2011 ahead of schedule, but there is a worldwide shortage of electrical components that has caused a delay in the arrival of the 250HP VFDs. Mr. Wright presented a request from Tom Hailey to use the Borough’s “cherry picker” for Steel-High football games; Mr. Conjar said this might be possible. After some discussion, it was agreed to deny the request due to liability issues. Mr. Shaver and Mr. Acri brought up the recent death of a Notre Dame student filming from a “cherry picker”. Mr. Heefner also suggested that they could rent the lift from another location and noted that a Borough employee would also be required to drive the truck and stay at the games. UNFINISHED BUSINESS: Mr. Brown – presented a recommendation from NEDC and the Police Department to approve Sandra Kafleich’s request to close the 300 block of Walnut St. for a Block Party. A motion was made by Mr. Heefner to approve the request, seconded by Mr. Shaver and approved unanimously by all present. Mr. Brown – presented Resolution 2011-R-13 with a traffic study and recommendation from the Police Department to approve New Jerusalem A.M.E. Zion Church’s request for “Reserved” parking spaces on Sundays between 7am and 2pm. A motion was made by Mr. Shaver to approve the resolution, seconded by Ms. Marcinko and approved unanimously by all present. A letter will be sent tomorrow. Mr. Brown – presented Resolution 2011-R-14 for the approval of a disabled parking space for Mr. Orlando Donato, 673 S. Front St., Steelton. A motion was made b y Mr. Heefner to approve the resolution, seconded by Ms. Marcinko and approved unanimously by all present. A letter will be sent tomorrow. Mr. Brown – presented a recommendation by the Police Department to deny requests for “disability” parking spaces from William Ward and Mary Fetchko. Since the requests were denied, there is not motion needed. Letters will be sent tomorrow. Mr. Brown – presented Federal Property Corporation’s program to manage maintenance of foreclosed properties within the Borough, then fine owners for failure to maintain the properties and notify the Borough. Mr. Wion recommended that he and Mr. Brown confer with the corporation to enter into an agreement with such as Swatara Township did. Once they all meet, Mr. Wion and Mr. Brown will work on a draft ordinance for Council review. Mr. Heefner questioned whether banks and realty companies would be responsible for upkeep of properties (lawn maintenance, etc.). Mr. Wion stated that the corporation would be obligated to pay the fine and they would notify property maintenance personnel. A motion was made by Mr. Shaver to enter into negotiations with Federal Property Corporation, seconded by Mr. Spencer and approved unanimously by all present. -5-  Steelton Borough Council Meeting August 15, 2011 Mr. Wion – presented Ordinance 2011- 6 amending the Code of the Borough by adding to Chapter 49 “Conduct” a new Article V to be entitled “Drug Paraphernalia” which provides for definitions and prohibited acts in relation to drug paraphernalia and providing penalties for violation of the article. Dr. Szada suggested that the ordinance is open to confusion if residents use synthetic materials – are they considered illegal? Sgt. King reminded all that water bongs are still used in other cultures and are therefore still sold in the Borough. He also thinks the ordinance is a good idea because as the law stands now, it’s considered a misdemeanor and a hearing needs to be held which involves officer attendance and court costs. With the new ordinance, people would receive a citation which would get paid without a hearing. Ms. Marcinko said that similar ordinances are active in Swatara Township and Susquehanna Township. A motion was made by Mr. Shaver to approve the Ordinance, seconded by Ms. Marcinko and approved by all present except Dr. Szada – she placed a “no” vote. McCullough Group - $202,500. A motion was made by Mr. Shaver to approve, seconded by Mr. Heefner and approved unanimously by all present. H2O Money/Bridge Loan – Mature 9/1/11 - Request authorization, not to exceed $900,000 in H2O Funds. A motion was made by Mr. Shaver to approve the authorization, seconded by Mr. Heefner and approved unanimously by all present. AUDIENCE PARTICIPATION: Mr. Steve Semic, 2607 2nd St. – has concerns with very high meter readings not “raising a red flag” in our system when there are major differences from the last reading. (His reading went from approx. 11,000 to approx. 76,000 in one quarter – he did not know of a leak that apparently happened before or when the meter was read (7/2011) until he received his bill five weeks later (8/2011). The office staff will check with the computer software company about the possibility of adding any peripherals. COUNCIL’S CONCERNS: Mr. Heefner – has concerns with children throwing debris down over the Swatara St. wall; Sgt. King said he will alert his officers of the problem. Mr. Heefner suggested the possibility of talking to the parents; Sgt. King stated that this would probably not work, as most of those children to not have parental supervision. Mr. Heefner also expressed a concern with glass packs on a car owned by someone on Spruce St. being illegal. Sgt. King suggested that decibel readings could be taken. Lastly, he raised concerns about the Codes Department not addressing property maintenance issues. He believes that properties need to be inspected more thoroughly; that our employees should get out of their vehicles and do more walking inspections. -6-  Steelton Borough Council Meeting August 15, 2011 Ms. Marcinko – has concerns with water pooling and new weeds in East End. HRG will address the polling issue and replant where needed. She also requested re-placement of the “15 minute parking” signs in front of the Steelton Pharmacy. Mr. Shaver reminded her that the bus stop had to be moved when we worked on the streetscape project, and now there is a bump-out where the other sign was – if we placed a sign closest to the pharmacy now, it would be placed in front of the store “Eras of Style” and then they would probably complain. Sgt. King also stated that there would be enforcement issues; how would the police know if the vehicle parked there was in the pharmacy for sure? Mr. Shaver – complimented the reverends involved on an excellent job with the “Back- to-School” Bash. Also thanked the Fire Department and Police Department for a successful “National Night Out”. Lastly, he enjoyed the humor in Ms. Sosnowski’s addition to the packets – a cartoon about the “minutes that seemed like hours” being read. Mayor Acri – There are 37 post offices in Pennsylvania; Rep. Holden has 27 in his area. He is working hard to avoid the closings if possible; up to 100,000 people could be laid off. One-half of the post office boxes in the Steelton building are empty now. They are looking at the possibility of placing kiosks in some of the local towns to service the communities. He also suggested the possibility of turning the post office building into the Police Department Building. ADJOURNMENT: There being no other business before Council, on a motion by Dr. Szada, seconded by Mr. Shaver, the meeting adjourned at 9:12p.m. Respectfully submitted, ______________________________ ______________________________ Douglas E. Brown Kathy I. Sosnowski Borough Manager Executive Assistant -7-