City Council

Borough of Steelton Council Agenda September 17, 2012 Page 1 CALL MEETING TO ORDER: President Wright with the Pledge of Allegiance MOMENT OF SILENCE: Thomas F. Acri, Mayor APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETING AS PRESENTED: EXECUTIVE SESSION HELD BETWEEN MEETINGS APPROVAL OF SCHEDULES OF BILLINGS, REQUISITIONS AND CHANGE ORDERS AS PRESENTED APPROVAL OF DEPARTMENT REPORTS: Neighborhood & Economic Development Fire and Ambulance Personnel Police Public Works Code Enforcement Mayor’s Report (Mayor Acri) Borough Manager’s Report PUBLIC COMMENT: Agenda items only PRESENTATION: HRG Local Share Gaming Grant Presentation COMMUNICATION: HRG Engineering Activities for August 13 - September 10, 2012 Friends of Midland Letter thanking the Borough for providing water and ice for volunteers who participated in their Day of Caring at the Midland Cemetery.  Borough of Steelton Council Agenda September 17, 2012 Page 2 UNFINISHED BUSINESS: Borough Manager Resolution 2012-R-33, special purpose parking for the Fire Chief at 104/109 S. Front Street. Borough Manager Approve bidding for sale of 107 N. Front Street for a minimum bid of $35,000. NEW BUSINESS: Mr. Wion Resolution 2012-R-34, special purpose parking for Ronald E Dailey, 113 S. Second Street. Mr. Wion Resolution 2012-R-35, special purpose parking for Jay Amey, Sr. at 42 S. Third Street. Borough Manager Approval of ZA to perform auditing services for the years ended 2012 – 2015. Borough Manager Approval of the Non-Uniform Pension Plan Minimum Municipal Obligation for the amount of $141,905. Borough Manager Approval of the Police Pension Minimum Municipal Obligation for the amount of $144,695.34. Borough Manager Discussion of CDBG funds OTHER BUSINESS: Sara Gellatly Executive Session (if necessary) AUDIENCE PARTICIPATION: COUNCIL’S CONCERNS: ADJOURNMENT:  Steelton Borough Council Meeting September 17, 2012 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: Stephen Shaver Jeffery Wright Michael Albert Maria Marcinko MaryJo Szada Raymond Spencer Denae House Mayor Thomas Acri David A. Wion, Solicitor Sara Gellatly, Borough Manager Kathy I. Sosnowski, Executive Assistant APPROVAL OF MINUTES: On a motion made by Mr. Albert, seconded by Ms. Marcinko, Council Members present voted unanimously to approve the minutes from September 4, 2012, as presented. EXECUTIVE SESSION HELD BETWEEN MEETINGS: None. APPROVAL OF SCHEDULES OF BILLINGS, REQUISITIONS AND CHANGE ORDERS AS PRESENTED A motion was made by Mr. Shaver to approve the schedules of billings, requisitions and change orders, seconded by Ms. Marcinko and approved unanimously. APPROVAL OF DEPARTMENT REPORTS: A motion was made by Mr. Albert to approve the department reports, seconded by Mr. Spencer and approved unanimously. Neighborhood & Economic Development Fire and Ambulance Personnel Police Public Works – Ms. Marcinko reported that the last time the Barbush property’s culvert was checked, lots of grass clippings were found and cleaned out. To avoid this accumulation, a new pipe could be installed to direct the flow down to Swatara St. Mr. Wright directed the Public Works Committee to work with Mr. Conjar to estimate the costs of the project. -1-  Steelton Borough Council Meeting September 17, 2012 Code Enforcement Mayor’s Report (Mayor Acri) Borough Manager’s Report – Ms. Gellatly reported that the new backboards at Bailey Street should be put up by the weekend; the other new nets will also be installed. PUBLIC COMMENT: Agenda Items Only Pastor Darryl Taylor, New Jerusalem Church, 219 Locust St. questioned the request for approval of the sale of 107 N. Front St. He stated that $15,000 was paid to an engineering firm to look at the building for a possible Senior Center. Grants in the amount of $125,000 were acquired - $35,000 from Buxton’s office; $50,000 from Piccola’s office and $40,000 of CDBG money. He questioned where the money went. Mr. Wion indicated that the grants were available, but if the money was not used it had to be paid back. Asbestos removal at the site would have been costly; it wasn’t worth the expenditure. (The CDBG funds were redirected to the Adams Street Project.) Mr. Spencer reminded everyone that CDBG funds aren’t received before their use; they are used to reimburse for expenses incurred on projects. Pastor Taylor then asked if the financial records are available to the public; Mr. Wright said that under the Right-To- Know Law they could be made available. Mr. Wright then asked Ms. Gellatly to prepare a report for the next Council Meeting. PRESENTATION: Ryan Hostetter, HRG presented an update on the Streetscape Phase II Project. The project will still provide paver sidewalks, tree planting and lighting as well as the reconstruction of the fire department driveway. At Trewick Street, the original median design was replaced with a left turn lane to accommodate box trucks and smaller semis. However, the construction funding will not cover the Borough logo for the driveway or parking meters. The front of the Borough building will have a plaza design using imprint material; not pavers and there will not be placement of bollards. The design plan was submitted to Penn DOT; bids could go out in the spring and construction could be scheduled by the end of 2013. Mr. Spencer asked about Penn DOT’s involvement since it is a federally funded project and also stated that gaming funds have not yet been approved. Mr. Spencer also suggested that the Streetscape Project have some kind of display set up on the bulletin board in the lobby. Finally, Mr. Shaver asked if parking across the street from the Borough building would stay intact; Mr. Hostetter indicated that there will be parking until construction begins (for safety reasons). COMMUNICATION: Matt Cichy, HRG reported on Engineering Activities for August 13, 2012 through September 10, 2012: -2-  Steelton Borough Council Meeting September 17, 2012 Project No. 1337 – repairs to the Fire Department front lobby roof area and repair of the damage created by ground water along the South side wall and the East rear wall of the fire house. The application for funding was submitted to the Dauphin County Gaming Advisory Board on September 4, 2012. Project No. 1337.0430 – they are proceeding with the final design for the Blueberry Alley Storm Sewer Replacement Project with the intention of having the project ready for advertisement for bid the week of September 24, 2012. HRG is coordinating with Dauphin County to incorporate the CDBG funding and bidding requirements into the project. Project No. 1337.0447 – they are awaiting notice from DCNR on the status of the grant application submitted for the Mohn Street Recreational Project. The project will include rehabilitation of one tennis court, alteration of the other tennis court to create a handball court, a tot lot/free play area at the former basketball court and a walking path around the area. Markis Milberry was concerned that there is a court, but no hoops or poles; Mr. Albert stated that handball is growing in popularity and is actually part of the Keystone State Games. Someone mentioned that soccer is also popular; there is not enough space for a soccer field. Doctor Szada also was concerned that most residents around Mohn Street are seniors, so she questioned the need for a tot lot since there is one at Cole Crest. Ms. Iashia Reid of 615 St. Mary’s Drive stated that there are many children in her neighborhood and a tot lot that close would be wonderful. Ms. Pauline Douglas stated that seniors only have one place to go; it would be nice to have a Community Center for all citizens. Mr. Shaver reminded Mr. Cichy and all present that this park is supposed to have multigenerational use. Friends of Midland sent a letter thanking the Borough for providing water & ice for volunteers who participated in their Day of Caring at the Midland Cemetery UNFINISHED BUSINESS: Mr. Wion re-presented Resolution 2012-R-33, special purpose parking for the Fire Chief at 104/109 S. Front St. A motion was made by Mr. Shaver to remove the table of this resolution from the last meeting, seconded by Ms. Marcinko and approved unanimously. A motion was made by Mr. Albert to approve Resolution 2012-R-33, seconded by Ms. Marcinko and approved unanimously. Ms. Gellatly requested approval of the bidding for the sale of 107 N. Front St. for a minimum bid of $35,000. This request was sent to NEDC which recommends the sale. -3-  Steelton Borough Council Meeting September 17, 2012 A motion was made by Mr. Albert to approve the bidding process, seconded by Doctor Szada and approved unanimously. NEW BUSINESS: Mr. Wion presented Resolution 2012-R-34, special purpose parking for Ronald E. Dailey, 113 S. Second St. A motion was made by Mr. Shaver to approve Resolution 2012-R-34, seconded by Ms. Marcinko and approve unanimously. Mr. Wion presented Resolution 2012-R-35, special purpose parking for Jay Amey, Sr. 42 S. Third St. A motion was made by Dr. Szada to approve Resolution 2012-R-35, seconded by Ms. Marcinko and approved unanimously. Ms. Gellatly requested approval of the Zelenkofske Axelrod letter contract to perform auditing services for the years ended 2012-2015. Mr. Shaver questioned why the letter includes dates until 2015; Mr. Wion indicated that the contract was extended under the same terms and conditions as last year’s contract. A motion was made to approve the contract by Mr. Albert, seconded by Dr. Szada and Ms. Marcinko and approved unanimously. Ms. Gellatly requested approval of the Non-Uniform Pension Plan MMO for the amount of $141,905. State aid will cover $94,838.40; the Borough is responsible for payment of $47,066.60. Mr. Spencer iterated that this is not a “need to” basis, but a “have to” basis. Mr. Wion said that it is the CEO’s job to provide the report and Council’s job to accept the CEO’s recommendation. A motion was made by Mr. Shaver to approve the Non-Uniform Pension Plan MMO, seconded by Mr. Albert and approved unanimously. Ms. Gellatly requested approval of the Police Pension Plan MMO for the amount of $144,695.34. State aid will cover $87,543.16; the Borough is responsible for payment of $57,152.18. A motion was made by Mr. Spencer to approve the Police Pension Plan MMO, seconded by Mr. Albert and approved unanimously. -4-  Steelton Borough Council Meeting September 17, 2012 Borough Manager Gellatly led a discussion on the use of CDBG funds. The total for 2010 funds is $52,356.82. The amount of $26,680 has already been approved for the Blueberry Alley Project. The amount remaining from 2010 is $25,676.82. There is a federal mandate to construct a wall to replace the bollards at Locust St.; this would cost $17,300. The remaining $8,376.83 could be spent to start replacing Stop signs and other reflective signs per another federal mandate; the signs must all be replaced by 2014. Mr. Spencer indicated that since the deadline for 2010 funds is October 1, 2012 a recommendation for use of those funds needs to be made tonight. Mr. Spencer clarified for the public attending that bollards/wall are mandated by Penn DOT to protect the public from trucks turning into the mill. Mr. Tate questioned why truck drivers were not identified when they knocked down the bollards. Mr. Spencer replied that the mill guards cannot see that far from their post at the gate and reminded everyone that Front Street is a State road. Dr. Szada asked whether cameras could be installed on the sides of buildings to identify the trucking companies. Mr. Shaver replied that M&T is now empty and there is no internet access at 1 N. Front St. (SBCC) Honorable George Hartwick, County Commissioner mentioned something about $130,000 in unspent CDBG funds to benefit senior and children but he was not at the microphone. Ms. Dorothy Tate-Winfield, 704 N. Front St. stated her concerns about truck traffic in that area. The light pole in front of their business has been knocked down twice; truck drivers come down Front St. too fast to safely make the turn toward Franklin Street. Some drivers were even inconsiderate and disrespectful to the funeral attendees trying to get to their cars after the service. Mr. Wright referred the matter to NEDC and Ms. House. He also asked Ms. House to check on the cost of cameras for the Borough and to communicate with the other business owners in that area. Ms. Marcinko reminded everyone of the timeline for the 2010 CDBG funds – there is not time to solicit bids for bigger projects. Mr. Shaver asked for the cost to replace all mandated signs; Ms. Gellatly stated that Mr.Conjar estimates the cost to be $30,000. Mr. Shaver then made the suggestion to use the whole amount ($25,676.82) to take care of the signs (since they must all be replaced by 2014). Ms. Marcinko asked whether this money could be used to fix the drainage problem on Adams Street; Mr. Cichy stated that the land developer’s plans include storm water pipes to be constructed by the developer at a cost of $113,000 (+/-). Mr. Shaver concluded that there is not enough 2010 money to fix the drainage problems. Mr. Albert reiterated that the wall and stop sign replacements are mandated; Mr. Shaver suggested we use the money for the materials for the signs. Ms. Renee Drayton asked why at least $25,000 of the money couldn’t be used to solve Mr. Atwell’s problems. Ms. Marcinko indicated that we have already paved Daron Alley and worked with Mr. Atwell on his basement. -5-  Steelton Borough Council Meeting September 17, 2012 A motion was made by Mr. Albert to spend the entire 2010 CDBG funds of $25, 676.82 on the purchase of materials to replace stop signs in the Borough and any other signs that are part of the mandate. Mr. Shaver seconded the motion and a roll call vote was taken after some clarification: Dr. Szada – Aye Mr. Spencer – Aye Mr. Albert – Aye Mr. Wright – Aye Mr. Shaver – Aye Ms. Marcinko – Aye Ms. House - Aye The motion passed with all seven (7) Aye votes. OTHER BUSINESS: Ms. Gellatly informed Council that an Executive Session is needed to discuss a Personnel Matter. AUDIENCE PARTICIPATION: Rev. Taylor, 219 Locust St. stated that he was embarrassed that the CDBG funding was not discussed and taken care of long ago. He also stated his concern that Council was considering selling 107 N. Front St. even though there is asbestos in the building. He is also concerned about the amount of money that could be spent to clean up the property before the sale. He suggested that money be spent for the people of the Borough; not on walls, water lines and other infrastructure. Carl Phinney, 324 Ridge St. who works for Penn DOT was concerned about the source of the mandates and the amount of money already spent by HRG and other companies on pre-existing problems in smaller towns (good money after bad?) He also asked whether the projects in the Borough are offered to minority and/or women businesses. Mr. Shaver replied that the advertisements for bids are published in both the Patriot News and the Press and Journal. Anyone with a performance bond can put in a bid. Kyrlo Crosson, 175 Lincoln St. stated that he recently met with Mr. Spencer and Mr. George Connor of the Department of Community and Economic Development concerning use of 2011 and 2012 CDBG funds to support the Steelton Community Resource Center and its Steelton Youth In Action (SIYA) upcoming program modules. These funds can be expended by November 1, December 1 or sooner. Investment in structures is important, but investment in hearts and minds is also important. His first budget request was for $12,000 for a SYIA Group Transportation 15-Passenger Van with insurance for 12 months and maintenance. The second request was for $3,500 for a 2- day Fishing/Water Safety Training Module, including guest speakers, food and drinks, fishing tools and prizes. The third request was for $3,500 for the Harrisburg Boxing Club Exercise and Training Module, including access to the Club and training and exercise -6-  Steelton Borough Council Meeting September 17, 2012 courses with trainer Jason Bryant. The total 2011-2012 CDBG funding request for the Steelton Youth In Action Program Modules is $19,000. Dr. Szada commended Mr. Crosson’s efforts and a nice presentation, but wondered how many children would be interested in fishing and boxing; especially girls. Jason Bryant, the trainer at the Harrisburg Boxing Club stated that 3 females are currently in the club. He also sent a signup sheet to Steelton Highspire High School; a total of 43 children signed up and 8 of them were girls, so there is much interest in the Borough. Dr. Szada also spoke as a professional questioning the long term effects of boxing, i.e. Muhammed Ali and other boxers. Mr. Bryant stated that exercise and training are conducted for the first 6 months, and then students can choose to enter the ring. Ms. Jennifer Tate-Defreitas, 704 Front St. added that her son has ADHD and the boxing and fitness classes have helped him to focus and build awesome discipline. The SYIA has a holistic approach to youth. Jermell Fleming said that he will be assisting with the fishing expedition for both males and females and looks forward to sharing his experience with the children. Ms. Kristen Tate said that she and others hope to add home economics and hygiene classes to the Community Center, including (but not limited to) taking care of personal cleanliness, laundry and manners. Ms. Marcinko thanked Mr. Crosson for his presentation, but asked why we are going to Harrisburg for the boxing instead of somewhere in Steelton. Mr. Crosson stated that for 2013 they are hoping to convert a local garage into a club for boxing. Mr. Wright noted that even if the $19,000 is given they will still need a building. Option #1 is for the Borough to lend them a building to fix it up for the Center. Option #2 is to sell a building to the Community Development Foundation for $1.00 and use labor from volunteers to fix it up. Someone in the audience asked where the money would come from for utilities and other expenses; Mr. Crosson gave an example of an exercise class for 10 people – if each person paid $20 for the class there would be income of $200. Ms. Drayton was concerned that the Borough can house cats, but not kids. Mr. Crosson said he knew that the SBCC Program is self-sufficient. Mr. Albert asked Ms. Marcinko how much money Council has spent on the SBCC Program; she answered “Not one penny”. Mr. Andy Hartwick asked why the Boys and Girls Club was shut down. Someone from the audience shouted “people from Harrisburg were running the club!” Commissioner Hartwick came to the microphone to state his concerns that Steelton residents should share in the formation and running of kids’ centers, clubs, etc. There is nothing constructive for kids to do in the Borough, such as the old Summer Recreation Program and Boys and Girls Club. Mr. Albert interjected that “parents and kids ruined those!” Mr. Hartwick mentioned that a Fellowship of Christian Athletes was recently formed and well attended. He suggested that the Council engage the community in an open process such as the discussion of CDBG funds, and gaming revenues and processes. He thinks we have lost the focus of the people. Dr. Szada reminded everyone present that -7-  Steelton Borough Council Meeting September 17, 2012 Council usually sits by themselves; nobody comes to these meetings even though they are advertised. If citizens don’t ask, Council won’t know what they want. Mr. Hatcher, 512 Lincoln St. is a volunteer in the community. He hopes that we will invest in our youth and seniors and not corrections. We should engage everyone in the room tonight to working with staff to come to solutions. Ms. Latasha Woods, 181 S. Front St. is a single mother with 2 elementary-age kids. She informed Council that there is now a Parent Action Committee with about 20 members who are working with Communities in Schools on a Walkability Audit for funding for crossing guards throughout the Borough. They need more parent involvement and volunteers for the project. She stated that she hadn’t known about the meeting until today. Dr. Szada asked whether meetings are advertised in water bills; Ms. Woods stated that she is a renter and doesn’t get a water bill. Mr. Brandon Marsico, 230 Pine St. talked to Ms. House this weekend about lots of issues in the Borough. He proceeded to read an essay he wrote, adding that the folks here are showing their passion for the community and ending with the phrase “We don’t hate you, we elected you!” A resident of 320 Wood St. added that we have always been and will always be a tight- knit community in the Borough of Steelton. Ms. Drayton stood up again to state her disappointment with tonight’s actions, including the disrespect to the public. She also admonished Mr. Wright as President that she doesn’t like the way he talks to residents. Mr. Emuel Powell, 321 Lebanon St. was amazed at the number of people at this meeting and wondered why there can’t be more people at -- all the meetings! (note: Mr. Powell, Ms. Lena Jefferson and Ms. Pauline Douglas are regular attendees) He added his comment on the Adams Street drainage issue that there has a spring running underneath the street forever! That is why properties from Daron Alley to Second Street have no basements. Regarding the trucks at Locust St., he stated that Officer Fry was the only cop to stop trucks after they struck bollards; in fact he had three pulled over at one time! He thinks Bethlehem Steel should move their entrance to Swatara Street, which could be widened to accommodate the trucks. Shanice Grayer, 179 “R” St. moved from Harrisburg to Steelton hoping for more of a close community feeling. Tonight’s meeting has been somewhat discouraging. -8-  Steelton Borough Council Meeting September 17, 2012 COUNCIL’S CONCERNS: Ms. House thanked everyone for coming, including Commissioner George Hartwick to continue to support the SYIA and seniors. Don’t forget about our children; they are our future leaders. Ms. Marcinko thanked Commissioner George Hartwick for “coming home” and thanked Mr. Crosson for his SYIA presentation. She also commented that the SBCC program has 30 to 40 volunteers to make it a success. Mr. Shaver apologized for the state of the website, but nobody is able to take care of it right now. He also agreed that the CDBG process and requests should be looked at more thoroughly. Lastly, he informed everyone that the fire company is having a Chicken Barbecue on Friday starting at 3:30p.m. until sold out. Mr. Albert had no comment. Mr. Spencer stated that nobody is against a community center; Council just found out about it. The process to give a building away involves specific procedures and accountability. The Community Development Foundation is 501(c) (3); the SYIA is not. It takes time to pull things like this together. He also stated that he was glad to see passion from the residents, but not in this type of forum. They need to understand that the 2010 CDBG money was for Adams St, but couldn’t be used in a timely manner, and that is why Council is re-allocating these funds. Dr. Szada thanked everyone for coming out tonight and expressed that Council needs more input, more often. If people decide what they want, Council wants/needs to know this. They should call with questions or concerns. She also reminded everyone that there are some constraints on how certain money is spent. Mayor Acri thanked everyone for attending. He acknowledged that everyone has a lot to digest tonight. Chief Spangler invited everyone to attend Crime Watch Meetings which are held every second Tuesday of the month. Mr. Wright apologized for his actions and also to Mr. Atwell, but suggested that the only time everybody comes to a meeting is when there is a controversial issue; otherwise only Mr. Powell and Ms. Douglas show up. He sits in a tough position as Council President, and will continue to represent the Borough as best he can. As he stated before, he will run for Council one more time, win or lose. Lastly, he apologized to Ms. Drayton. On motion by Mr. Shaver, seconded by Mr. Spencer, the Council meeting recessed into executive session at 9:08p.m. to discuss a personnel matter. -9-  Steelton Borough Council Meeting September 17, 2012 The Council meeting reconvened at 9:30p.m. ADJOURNMENT: There being no other business before Council, on a motion by Mr. Shaver, seconded by Mr. Spencer, the meeting adjourned at 9:57p.m. Respectfully submitted, _____________________________ _______________________________ Sara Gellatly Kathy I. Sosnowski Borough Manager Executive Assistant - 10 -