City Council

AGENDA BOROUGH OF STEELTON October 15, 2012 1|Page 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: Financial Report Neighborhood & Economic Development Fire and Ambulance Police Public Works Code Enforcement Water Filtration Plant Mayor’s Report (Mayor Acri) Borough Manager’s Report PUBLIC COMMENT: Agenda items only COMMUNICATION: Steelton-Highspire School Board Minutes from June 11, 2012, June 21, 2012, August 13, 2012 and August 23, 2012. HRG Engineering Activities September 10 – October 12, 2012 UNFINISHED BUSINESS: Borough Manager Discussion of CDBG funds NEW BUSINESS:  AGENDA BOROUGH OF STEELTON October 15, 2012 2|Page None OTHER BUSINESS: Sara Gellatly Executive Session (if necessary) AUDIENCE PARTICIPATION: COUNCIL’S CONCERNS: ADJOURNMENT:  Page |1 Steelton Borough Council Meeting October 15, 2012 The regular monthly meeting was called to order at 6:30pm, by President, Jeffery Wright, with the pledge of allegiance, followed by a moment of silence. In Attendance: Jeffery Wright Michael Albert Maria Marcinko Raymond Spencer Denae House MayJo Szada Mayor Thomas Acri David A. Wion, Solicitor Sara Gellatly, Borough Manager Absent: Steve Shaver APPROVAL OF MINUTES: On a motion made by Mr. Albert, seconded by Ms. Marcinko, Council Members present voted unanimously to approve the minutes from October 1, 2012, as presented. APPROVAL OF SCHEDULES OF BILLINGS, REQUISITIONS AND CHANGE ORDERS AS PRESENTED A motion was made by Mr. Spencer to approve the schedules, seconded by Mr. Albert and approved unanimously by all present. APPROVAL OF DEPARTMENT REPORTS: A motion was made by Mr. Albert to approve the department reports, seconded by Ms. Marcinko and approved unanimously by all present. Neighborhood & Economic Development Fire and Ambulance Police Public Works Codes Enforcement Water Filtration Plant Mayor’s Report – Reminded the audience that Trick-or-Treat Night is Thursday, October 26 from 6-8pm. Borough Manager’s Report  Page |2 Steelton Borough Council Meeting October 15, 2012 PUBLIC COMMENT: AGENDA ITEMS ONLY Brandon Marsico, 232 Pine Street – Wanted make the community aware of what Council was going to be voting on this evening. Of the 2011 CDBG funding, the NEDC Committee is recommending to Council to spend $18,000 on paving the parking lot on Adams Street. The properties that comprise the parking lot were purchased by the Borough in 2009 for $10,000 each. There were four properties purchased, paid for with CDBG funding. Each property is only valued at $1,500. He feels there are better ways to spend the available funding. Also at the NEDC meeting it was discussed to spend approximately $25,000 on replacing the bollards located at the entrance of the Mill. It was also discussed at the meeting that a camera would be placed in this area to catch the trucks damaging the Borough’s property. He suggested that the money be spent on crosswalks and line painting. COMMUNICATION: Steelton-Highspire School Board – sent the minutes from their June 11, 2012, June 21, 2012, August 13, 2012 and August 23, 2012 meetings. PRESENTATION: Matt Cichy – Engineering Activities September 10 – October 12, 2012 Project #1337.0430 (Blueberry Alley Storm Sewer Replacement) – A storm manhole/inlet covered with silt and debris was found on the hill between 3rd and 4th streets during an investigation. The Borough public works staff is to be performing an investigation to locate the existing pipe so that the replacement project can be revised to incorporate this previously unknown pipe. Project #1337.0432 (East End Sewer Separation Project) – The only outstanding item on this project is that it needs to be incorporated into the GIS mapping system. Project #1337.0440 – (Street Scape Phase 2) – The final plans, specification, and a cost estimate are anticipated to be completed and approved by PennDOT November 2012. HRG is trying to advance this project through PennDOT. Project #1337.0451 (NPDES MS4s Permit, Renewal, Notice of Intent) – HRG worked with Borough staff to complete and submit the NPDES MS4s Permit Renewal NOI to PA DEP on September 10, 2012. UNFINISHED BUSINESS:  Page |3 Steelton Borough Council Meeting October 15, 2012 Ms. Gellatly, Discussion of CDBG Funds – At the NEDC meeting there was a recommendation made to use the 2011 CDBG funding to replace the bollards and pave the parking lot on Adams Street. Mr. Spencer stated that the paving project is still questionable to him. However, he thinks that the bollards need to be replaced, regardless if they are required by PennDot or not. It was also his understanding that the District Attorney has agreed to install a camera for the Borough to catch the trucks that destruct the bollards and that the cameras will be installed to help the Borough in these efforts. Ms. House asked what the amount was for the Adams Street paving project. Mr. Wright stated that the cost was $18,500. Mr. Spencer made a motion to approve the bollards, seconded by Ms. Marcinko and approved unanimously by all present. Mr. Albert stated that he agreed with Mr. Spencer that the Borough should not use the funds to pave the Adams Street parking lot. Ms. Marcinko stated that if the Borough paves the parking lot, then the project does not need to go out to bid. Then the remaining balance could go towards a different infrastructure project. She stated that the 2011 and 2012 CDBG money was originally earmarked for Adams Street and that the parking lot on Adams Street seems appropriate and is why it was discussed at NEDC. Ms. House stated that she last Thursday she had a meeting with Commissioner Hartwick and that he suggested that some of the 2011 CDBG money be used for SYIA’s programs. Ms. Marcinko asked Ms. Gellatly if the funds could be used towards Blueberry Alley due to additional damage found to the pipes. Ms. Gellatly stated that the additional damage found would not have any impact on the design phase. The design phase has already been approved and paid. Mr. Wright turned the floor to Kyalo Crosson, 175 Lincoln Street, to present the presentation on SYIA’s request for program expenses. He requested that $8,000 be allocated to SYIA for program expenses. He expressed that the funds would be spent on 15 laptops, 3 play stations, and Amazon Kindles. He stated that the laptops would be used by both the youth and the seniors. Ms. Marcinko asked Mr. Crosson where the equipment would be stored. He stated that the equipment would be stored in a secure location agreed upon by all SYIA members and in accordance with the grant guidelines. Mr. Wright stated that all of this should still fall under the direction and guidance of the Foundation. The Foundation should have record and knowledge of where the equipment is stored. Ms. House stated that the equipment would be used immediately in basements of churches, such as Reverend Taylor’s facilities, to start their programs. Mr.  Page |4 Steelton Borough Council Meeting October 15, 2012 Spencer said he thought it would be a good idea to purchase the items listed by SYIA, if Reverend Taylor has already committed to allowing SYIA to use his facilities. Mr. Spencer asked if the remaining balance of about $10,000 be used for beautification purposes, such as repainting the crosswalks and other beautification projects. Mr. Wion stated that it was his understanding that the funds that have to be spent by the end of the month, that there has to be a contract in order to spend them. The Borough cannot just go out and expend the funds. Ms. Gellatly stated that when the Borough applies for CDBG funding, the application has the Borough state what project the funds will be used for. The 2011 CDBG funds are earmarked for Adams Street. However, when we make changes to how the funding is going to be spent, the Borough must resubmit an application to the County and then a new contract has to be signed. If the projects are CDBG eligible, then the Borough is ok. Mr. Wright asked Ms. House that if the Borough would lease 24 Adams Street to SYIA, when she anticipates her program beginning. Ms. House stated that SYIA has been up and running since April of the year. Mr. Wright stated that the Council has not yet thought about the fact that the Borough will own the property and that insurance costs have not been calculated yet. Mr. Crosson stated that the equipment purchased would be able to the used by both the seniors and the youth. Ms. Zsada stated that she felt there were hidden costs in Mr. Crosson’s proposal, such as the cost of the games and the books for the Kindles. Kristen Tate. 704 North Front Street – stated that the CDBG money is to help the community and did the Borough think about the Community when they purchased 24 Adams Street for $125,000 in 2009. And since purchased it has been sitting empty. Mr. Albert stated that the reason why 24 Adams Street was purchased was to continue the Adams Street project. The building was a part of the Adams Street program and that the CDBG funds had to be purchased. Ms. Marcinko made a motion to approve $8,000 of the 2011 CDBG funding for SYIA, with the understanding that the Project Manger be responsible for the borough property that will be purchased and that it will be inventoried, seconded by Mr. Albert and approved unanimously by all present. Mr. Albert made a motion to approve the remaining 2011 CDBG funding in the amount of $9,994 to use for beautification purposes, seconded by Mr. Spencer and approved unanimously by all present.  Page |5 Steelton Borough Council Meeting October 15, 2012 NEW BUSINESS: No new business. OTHER BUSINESS: Ms. Gellatly informed Council that an Executive Session is needed to discuss legal matter under attorney client privileges and also to discuss a personnel matter. AUDIENCE PARTICIPATION: Doreen Sawyers, 679 Paxton Street – She would like to put a fence around the back of her property. She found out that years ago, 1950s, the Borough owned land beside her house, which was for a street that was never developed. It was going to be named Lebanon Street. There is also an undeveloped street on the back of her property. She would like the land to be replenished to her so that she can put up a fence. She has been taking care of the property for numerous years. Mr. Wright asked Ms. Zell if she was aware of what Ms. Sawyers was referring to. Ms. Zell stated that she told Ms. Sawyers that she would need to get a copy of the deed for her property have a surveyor determine her property lines. Also to see if the land was actually ever given to her and if it was then she could put her fence up. If the land was never given to her, then it is up to Council to decide if they want to vacate the land. Ms. Sawyers stated that it was her understanding that the Borough still owns the property. Mr. Spencer stated that there was still research that needs to be done. Mr. Wion stated that this situation exists in a lot of places in the Borough. What has happened is that over the years, some areas have been laid out to have streets put on them and they are on the Borough map, but they are never built nor constructed. The law is that if they never become public streets and are never constructed, then the law states that the Borough’s ability to do that after 21 years expired. The area that would have been a street reverts one-half to the owner on one side and then the other half to the owner on the other side. The Borough has over the years, adopted a comfort resolution, recognizing that the roads have not been a part of the Borough and be stricken from the Borough’s map. This only puts on the record that the Borough is recognizing this fact. When Council passes a resolution like this, the resident often records a new deed that picks up the alley. Mr. Wion will have to look at the street to determine if it was ever used or repaired and then respond accordingly. Mr. Wright turned the matter over to Ms. Marcinko, Public Works Committee Chairwoman, who will work with Mr. Conjar to come up with a resolution.  Page |6 Steelton Borough Council Meeting October 15, 2012 Emuel Powell, 321 Lebanon Street – It was his understanding that the Adams Street project only pertained to the north side of the street and not the south side, which is the side 24 Adams Street, the Wallace Funeral Home. Also stated that Council been saying they could not transfer grant money from one project to another but this is what Council voted on this evening. Stated that Council and the Community needs to get on the same page. Neff Williams, 115 South Second Street – Would like to know what the Borough is doing about the whole in the road at Second and Swatara Street. Mr. Acri confirmed that there has been two water main breaks in the area and that is the reason the road is sinking in. Mr. Wright stated the Public Works is addressing this issue. COUNCIL’S CONCERNS: Ms. House – had no comment. Ms. Marcinko – had no comment. Ms. Szada – had no comment. Mr. Spencer – had no comment. Mr. Albert – had no comment. Mayor Acri – He wanted the audience to know that when the Borough receives grants from the Government and it is for a specific purpose, such as trees, we have to spend it on trees. The money given to SYIA, is given from the County. The County received the CDBG money from the Federal Government and the County does not just give the money to the Borough of Steelton but to all communities around the County and that the money voted on tonight was legal. On a motion by Mr. Albert, seconded by Ms. House, the Council meeting recessed into executive session at 8:06pm to discuss legal matters and personnel matters. The Council meeting reconvened at 8:48pm. A motion was made by Mr. Albert to accept the resignation of Kathy Sosnowski, seconded by Mr. Spencer. A vote was taken: Ayes: Mr. Wright, Mr. Albert, Mr. Spencer, Ms. House, Ms. Marcinko Nay: Ms. Szada  Page |7 Steelton Borough Council Meeting October 15, 2012 A motion was made by Mr. Albert to allow Ms. Gellatly to post the position for someone to take the minutes of the Council and Authority meetings, seconded by Ms. Marcinko. A vote was taken: Ayes: Mr. Wright, Mr. Albert, Mr. Spencer, Ms. House, Ms. Marcinko Nay: Ms. Szada A motion was made by Mr. Spencer to have the Foundation determine if they will enter into a lease agreement with the Borough for 24 North Second Street, seconded by Mr. Albert and approved unanimously by all present. ADJOURNMENT: There being no other business before Council, on a motion made by Ms. Szada, seconded by Ms. Marcinko, the meeting adjourned at 8:52pm. Respectively Submitted: __________________________________ Sara Gellatly Borough Secretary