City Council
Regular MeetingSteelton, PA · April 21, 2014
Minutes
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Borough of Steelton
Council Agenda
April 21, 2014
Call meeting to order: President Jeffery Wright
Pledge of allegiance: President Jeffery Wright
Moment of silence: Mayor Thomas F. Acri
There were no executive sessions held between meetings.
Approval of schedules of billings, requisitions and change orders as presented for: March 2014
Approval of Department Reports:
Fire and Ambulance
Police
Public Works
Code Enforcement
NEDC Committee
Mayor’s Report
Borough Manager’s Report
Public Comment on Agenda Items Only
Presentations:
Matt Cichy Engineering Activities
(March 17 – April 17, 2014)
Communication: None
Unfinished Business: None
New Business:
Mr. Wion Resolution establishing public meeting rules and
regulations
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Borough of Steelton
Council Agenda
April 21, 2014
Mr. Wion Resolution for Pennsylvania Ethics Act
Mr. Wion Resolution for No Parking for the UGI Project on
South Second Street
Mr. Wion Realty Transfer Tax Ordinance
Borough Manager Appointment of Leonard Yablon to the Planning
Commission
Borough Manager Approval of the reviewed Non-Union MMO
Maria Marcinko Clean Up the Town Project
Audience Participation
Council Concerns
Executive Session
Other Business
Adjournment
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Steelton Borough Council Meeting
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Steelton Borough Council Regular Meeting
April 21, 2014
In Attendance:
Jeff Wright, Council President Maria Marcinko
Mayor Tom Acri Steve Shaver
Michael Albert David Wion, Solicitor
Denae House Sara Gellatly, Borough Manager
Absent:
Brian Proctor Dr. MaryJo Szada
Call Meeting to Order:
Council President Jeffery Wright called the meeting of April 21, 2014, to order at 6:30 p.m. which was
followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.
Moment of Silence:
Mayor Thomas F. Acri led a moment of silence.
There were no executive sessions held between meetings:
Mr. Wright announced that there were no executive sessions held between meetings.
Approval of Schedules of Billings, Requisitions and Change Orders as Presented for March 2014:
Mr. Wright entertained a motion to approve the Schedules of Billings, Requisitions and Change Orders
as Presented for March 2014. The motion was made by Mr. Albert and seconded by Ms. Marcinko.
The motion carried.
Approval of Department Reports:
Police: No report.
NEDC Committee: Ms. Gellatly indicated that she would provide an update on the NEDC Committee
and stated that at the last meeting, on 3/11/2014, the Committee was presented with the idea of the
Steelton Community Garden. Ms. Gellatly spoke on behalf of NEDC Committee Chairman, Mr.
Proctor, and recommended that the garden idea be tabled until the next NEDC meeting on 5/13/2014 at
6 p.m.
Mr. Rick Sayles was present to provide a brief overview of what he does with an already existing garden
in Steelton that he is actively involved in at the high school.
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Mr. Sayles shared that his garden in Steelton has been operating for nine years. Ms. Sayles shared that
he works with USDA and their Peoples Garden Program as well as the Retired and Senior Volunteer
Program which help seniors remain active.
Ms. Sayles said that he and Mr. Markis Millberry have had discussion with regards to Mr. Millberry
creating a new garden.
Mr. Sayles shared recent work of the students and the participation of Commissioner George Hartwick.
Mr. Sayles shared that he encourages the students to eat the produce that they grow but anything that is
not consumed is donated to Channels Food Rescue. Mr. Sayles shared that last year the garden donated
1,200 pounds of food to Channels.
Mr. Sayles shared that his workload is full and he operates six different sites through Steelton and
Harrisburg. Mr. Sayles indicated that the work in Steelton and the support he has received has been
incredible.
Mr. Sayles shared that they are working on acquiring a gazebo because during hot days, the sun
becomes extremely hot. The situation caused him to seek medical attention due to dehydration. Mr.
Sayles said that they are going to try to secure funding for the gazebo to create shade. Last year, a pond
and fish were incorporated into the garden and the fish survived the winter.
Mr. Sayles indicated that he is more than willing to work with Mr. Millberry to develop his program and
idea.
Ms. Marcinko thanked Mr. Sayles for providing his clarification and indicating what role he would play
in a Steelton Community Garden. The issue would be discussed at the 5/13/14 NEDC Committee
Meeting.
Mr. Wright shared that the idea would be tabled until Mr. Proctor could indicate the direction the NEDC
Committee would go with regards to this issue.
Ms. Marcinko spoke on a separate issue with regards to the NEDC Committee and shared that Chairman
Proctor did take on the People in Trouble Program. At the NEDC Committee meeting, the Committee
discussed the distribution of flyers that will be sent with water bills. Neighbors Helping Neighbors will
be an adopt-a-neighbor program. The program will provide seniors and homeowners with assistance to
keep up with their properties.
Fire and Ambulance: Mr. Shaver indicated that the Fire and Ambulance Committee meeting was
canceled this month due to schedule with regards to the Chief and the Assistant Chief. Mr. Wright
thanked Mr. Shaver.
Public Works: No report.
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Code Enforcement: No report.
Mayor: Mayor Acri shared that the Capitol Area Constables Association is holding a yard sale on
4/26/2014 at 8:00 a.m. and at 10:30 a.m. they will have a Chicken BBQ which will go on until
everything is sold.
Borough Manager: Ms. Gellatly provided an update on how the Borough is trying to communicate with
residents. Ms. Gellatly shared that the website is slowly being updated with minutes and Borough
projects.
Ms. Gellatly shared that in the end of 2013 the Authority budgeted for a robo-calling system. In the
beginning of 2014, the Authority entered in an agreement with Code Red which is a robo-calling system.
Residents will receive a letter in the next set of bills in the beginning of May asking them to register
their phone numbers if they wish to get the alert calls. The Borough will be able to use this technology
for a variety of reasons including road closures, snow emergencies, closure of the Borough building as
well as any boil water advisories.
Ms. Gellatly shared that the Borough would be receiving a grant totaling $186,040 for brownfield
cleanup. The funds will be used for the removal of underground storage tanks related to the historic
service station across the street from the Borough building, excavation and disposal of impacted soils,
followed by backfilling, implementing a groundwater investigation and associated report preparation.
The final paperwork with DEP should be filed by the end of next week and then the Borough will wait
for their final review before the funding is released. Ms. Gellatly shared that she is working with Hull
and Associates to have everything submitted so that a grant contract can be prepared and signed in the
near future.
Mr. Wright shared that the Borough Manager will provide an informational update on Borough projects
and issues at Council meetings for the public’s awareness.
At this time Mr. Wright entertained a motion to approve department reports which was made by Mr.
Albert and seconded by Ms. House. The motion carried.
Public Comment on Agenda Items Only:
There was no public comment on agenda items only.
Presentation:
Matt Cichy, Engineering Activities March 17/2014-April 17/2014
• Blueberry Alley Storm Sewer Replacement & Washington Street Storm Water Sewer
Replacement: Over the past month, public works staff completed test holes on existing gas
mains on Washington Street. The information from the test holes has been incorporated into the
design documents for the new storm sewer system. The location of the existing gas mains and an
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existing water main will conflict with the proposed storm sewer piping and it appears that they
must be rerouted. HRG is setting up a meeting with UGI on April 23, 2014, to discuss the
potential rerouting of their utilities in order to install the proposed storm sewer piping. HRG will
know more after the meeting with UGI.
• PENNVEST Reimbursements: This goes back to the East End sewer separation project. The
Borough received the final reimbursement of approximately $19,000 from PENNVEST and this
project has now been completed.
• Street Scape Phase 2 Project: The contractor has commenced with construction of the project.
Construction is to be completed in stages. The first stage was the clearing and grubbing
occurring throughout the entire project sites. The next stage will then generally focus between
Pine Street and Lincoln Street, then work will generally focus between Cranberry Alley and Elm
Street. Traffic control and parking restrictions can be anticipated throughout the area during the
duration of construction. The contractor is aware of and will coordinate his construction with the
Borough’s Annual Parade in May and National Night Out in August.
• Adams Street Redevelopment Storm Sewer Improvements: Mr. Cichy shared that distributed to
Council this evening is the Adams Street Redevelopment Storm Sewer Improvements proposal
for design, bidding, and construction administration efforts. Mr. Chichy shared his
understanding that the Borough was awarded funding for the construction of the storm sewer
improvements that are required as part of the Adams Street Redevelopment Project and that the
Borough wishes to proceed with this project. Mr. Cichy shared that the design will utilize the
storm sewer layout that was previously approved by the Borough as part of the final subdivision
and land development plans for the Adams Street Project. This goes to the townhomes that were
proposed as part of that site. HRG is proposing to complete the design, bidding, and
construction administration phases on a time and materials basis for a not to exceed fee of
$23,400.00. In addition, as requested by the Borough, HRG will also provide resident project
representatives services on a time and materials basis.
Ms. Gellatly commented that the estimated total construction and fees will cost $140,000. Ms.
Gellatly indicated that the Borough received $100,000 in a gaming grant and a $40,000 CDBG
grant for this project. The proposal before Council this evening was included in the engineering
fees of $140,000, so this is not unbudgeted money that Council is voting on this evening.
Ms. Marcinko indicated that she does not want to see a drainage problem on Adams Street and
wants to make sure that the drainage problem is addressed as to avoid revisiting the issue in eight
months.
Mr. Shaver asked if Mr. Wion looked at terms and conditions of contract, which Mr. Wion
indicated he did review and made the necessary changes.
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Mr. Wright entertained a motion which was made by Ms. Marcinko and seconded by Mr. Albert.
The motion carried.
• Mohn Street Recreational Project: Mr. Cichy shared that distributed to members of Council was
the revision of plans. Revisions will reduce construction costs.
Ms. Gellatly shared that one of the major revisions was the removal of the handball court. The
project has $150,000 in gaming funding and $150,000 in DCNR funding for a total of $300,000.
When this project went out to bid, the lowest bid came in at $375,000. If there were no
revisions, the Borough risked losing the funding. A small change in the gravel system for the
sidewalk path was also present. HRG and the Borough Manager were confident with the slight
modifications that the project could be completed by the end of October.
Ms. Marciko asked the Borough Manager if the tennis court area would be redone as a tennis
court. Ms. Gellatly shared that the existing tennis court will remain there.
Mr. Gellatly shared that the sources of funding have been contacted to ensure that the changes
were allowable and wouldn’t put the funding at risk, which the Borough Manager explained was
allowable.
A walking path will still be present.
Mayor Acri asked if lights would be installed. Mr. Cichy said that he would need to consult with
design engineers with regards to that question.
Ms. Gellatly shared that she would work with HRG to provide an update to Council this week.
Ms. House asked for clarification for what the funding will provide. Mr. Cichy shared that the
funding will cover the resurfacing of the tennis court, installation of new pathways and
walkways, two new ADA parking facilities, and a plaza area adjacent to tennis court. Also on
South Third Street will be line striping to allow for a walkway for a loop around the park and
pedestrian access on Mohn Street. There are also storm sewer improvements.
Mr. Wright allowed for questions relating to HRG work because Mr. Cichy would not be
available towards the end of the meeting.
Ms. Kristen Tate 704 North Front Street
Ms. Tate questioned what Ms. Marcinko had pointed to with regards to the drainage on Adams
Street. Ms. Tate asked if the water would be stopped from running the way it is currently.
Mr. Cichy shared that there is a series of pipes that go underneath the wall, and you will see a
couple of them that run continuously, and those pipes are directed out to the curb line right now
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which is why the water is running there. Those pipes will be tied into a larger storm pipe that is
being installed as part of the upcoming project so the water will continue to run but it will be
running through pipes underground.
Ms. Tate asked about the funds being spent on the Mohn Street project and asked for
clarification. Mr. Cichy shared that the funding will include resurfacing of the tennis court and
walkways. What is currently on the tennis court is broken. Mr. Cichy shared that a plaza will be
created between Mohn Street and where the tennis court is located.
Ms. Marcinko shared that this project is a part of a DCNR grant and the funds have to be for
specific recreational use.
Ms. Tate asked if there is anything up and coming to revitalize Front Street. Ms. Marcinko
restated the grant money that the Borough Manager stated earlier in the meeting is for cleanup.
Ms. Tate clarified that she was speaking regarding blighted properties. Ms. Marcinko shared that
those properties are owned by individuals and some of them are up for rent. The grant will go
towards cleaning up the properties owned by the Borough on Front Street. Cleanup studies are
also being done.
Mr. Wright stated that these topics were moving away from the HRG project between Mohn and
Adams Street which he opened for questioning and reminded members and the public that the
floor will be opened for public comment at the end.
Ms. Gellatly shared that although there will be lots for top lot playground equipment, this grant
does not include physical playground equipment.
Mr. Rick Sayles
Mr. Sayles asked what the time limit was on the Mohn Street Project. Mr. Sayles also asked
what was the source or type of grant for the DCNR funding. Mr. Sayles indicated that Secretary
Ferretti is planning on attending Mr. Sayles event tomorrow.
Mr. Cichy shared that the funding is part of the revitalizing parks program for DCNR and that
Mr. Cichy would have to review the specific name of the grant. Ms. Marcinko indicated that, at
this time, if the Borough doesn’t use the money it will be lost. Mr. Cichy stated that the funding
needs to be spent by the end of the year.
Mr. Sayles asked when HRG will be breaking ground. Mr. Cichy shared that breaking ground
will take place this summer. The plans still need to be advertised for public bidding.
Mr. Markis Millberry, 849 Spruce Street Apartment A
Mr. Millberry asked if there is a display of the Mohn Street Project for residents to view. Mr.
Cichy said it is available.
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Mr. Millberry asked about the Steelton Economic Development Corporation purchase of a
funeral home in 2006 for $125,000 and if that project will take place with the Adams Street
project. Mr. Wright indicated that this wasn’t part of the Adams Street Redevelopment. Mr.
Millberry asked what that was a part of and Ms. Gellatly clarified that it was part of the Adams
Street Redevelopment Project as a whole, but that Mr. Cichy was present to discuss the
redevelopment with the storm sewer improvements which is specific to the grass plot of land.
Ms. Marcinko posed a question to Mr. Cichy with regards to Streetscape Phase 2. Ms. Marcinko
explained that she had a discussion with a resident about a tree across the street. Further, there
are memorial trees that individuals paid for and some families had them placed in front of their
homes as well as memorial bricks. Phase 2 includes Pine to Lincoln Streets and Elm to
Cranberry Streets and those trees will be removed. Ms. Marcinko shared when some of the other
trees were replanted, bricks were not placed around them which was probably a good idea. Ms.
Marcinko emphasized the need to ensure that the plaques and memorials will be replaced for the
individuals who purchased the memorial trees, etc.
Ms. Marcinko shared her understanding that Red Maple trees would be replacing the current
trees. Ms. Marcinko stated that she didn’t know who authorized planting a different type of tree
because it never came back to Council. Ms. Marcinko stated that the mismatching trees
warranted some discussion with Council. Ms. Marcinko wants to know how the new trees will
appear in contrast to the already existing trees.
Mr. Cichy stated that Public Works staff removed the plaques and bricks for the memorials and
that they are in a safe place. Ms. Gellatly said that staff has ensured that the bricks will replaced
in the proper locations.
Mr. Cichy stated that the Red Maple trees date back to the original master plan of the streetscape
project and that tree was carried on during part of the Phase 2 work. Ms. Marcinko asked if that
is the current planted tree. Mr. Cichy said he would have to research that information. Ms.
Marcinko wants reassurance that they won’t be different. Ms. Gellatly shared that she will work
with HRG to provide an update.
Communication:
There were no communications at this time.
Unfinished Business:
There was no unfinished business at this time.
New Business:
Mr. Wion: Resolution establishing public meeting rules and regulations, 2014-R-3
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In order to notify the residents of the rules and regulations applicable to the conduct of Steelton Borough
Council public meetings, Council has before them Resolution 2014-R-3. That resolution adopts the
rules and regulations that are set forth in exhibit A which is attached to the resolution. So that the public
understands the rules of public meetings, Mr. Wion stated that he would read the rules and regulations
which he did relating to cell phones and communications, proper decorum, signage, guidelines for
public comment periods, discretion of Council for public comment period, enforcement of decorum,
audio and video recording equipment, and persons desiring to operate recording devices.
Mr. Wion recommended that the rules and regulations be available with meeting agendas to the public.
Ms. House asked if rules and regulations for public meetings were established prior to this meeting or if
this is a new resolution. Mr. Wright shared that public meeting rules and regulations were never
established via resolution; however, Mr. Wright indicated that the Borough Manager circulated the
resolution prior to Council’s consideration for review purposes.
Mr. Wion stated that the audio and recording portions of the resolution are taken from language in the
Sunshine Act.
Mr. Wright entertained a motion which was made by Mr. Albert and seconded by Ms. Marcinko. The
motion carried.
Mr. Wion: Resolution for PA Ethics Act 2014-R-4
Mr. Wion stated that the Pennsylvania Ethics Act requires the filing of a Statement of Financial Interest
by specified public officials and public employees. The Ethics Commissions requires governmental
bodies to determine if an individual meets the definition of “public official” or “public employee.” The
Borough has done that and Resolution 2014-R-4 lists the officials and individual employees that are
required to file a Statement of Financial Interest which are listed by position and name and are to be
filed on or before May 1, 2014.
A motion was made by Ms. Marcinko and seconded by Ms. House. The motion carried.
Mr. Wion: Resolution for No Parking for the UGI Project on S 2nd Street 2014-R-5
Mr. Wion indicated that, as Council knows, UGI is engaged in a project which will involve the
installation of a 12-inch underground natural gas pipeline connecting existing UGI facilities on the east
shore of the Susquehanna River in the Borough of Steelton to the Defense Logistics Agency Distribution
Center in Fairview Township on the west shore of the Susquehanna River. In order to do that, UGI will
have to go from behind the Dollar Store, drill down to the other side. As part of that project, a portion of
South Second Street between the northern line of Chambers Street and a point located 130.05 feet north
of that line will be temporarily closed. This resolution approves the closure of the aforementioned
portion of South Second Street in connection with the project.
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Ms. Marcinko shared that this is a very large project and that UGI contacted Steelton Borough regarding
this work. The gas line will connect to the Army Depot in New Cumberland. Mr. Marcinko stated that
this project was discussed in a meeting with the public and that disruption of traffic will be limited.
Sound proof fencing will be present during drilling. The project will last 3-4 months and Ms. Marcinko
expressed appreciation of the residents during this time.
Mr. Shaver asked if UGI will be covering the costs of signage, etc. which Council indicated UGI will in
fact be responsible for.
A motion was made by Mr. Albert and seconded by Ms. House. The motion carried.
Mr. Wion: Reality Transfer Tax Ordinance No.2014-2
Mr. Wion stated that Act 53 of 2013 passed by the Legislature made changes to the Realty Transfer Tax
Act of the Commonwealth. In order to be consistent with changes to the Act, Mr. Wion offered
Ordinance No. 2014-2 for Council’s consideration which amends Chapter 102 of the Borough Code,
Article III Section 102-15.
A motion was made by Ms. Marcinko and seconded by Ms. House. The motion carried.
Borough Manager: Appointment of Leonard Yablon to Planning Commission term to expire 12/31/14
Ms. Gellatly offered for consideration of Council the appointment of Mr. Leonard Yablon to the
Planning Commission for a term to expire December 31, 2014.
Ms. House questioned how appointments are made on planning committees, the Water Authority,
Zoning, etc.
Ms. Gellatly shared that Mr. Yablon expressed interest in participating in the Borough to her at a UGI
meeting and questioned what positions were open on various Borough boards. Ms. Gellatly shared that
she would like to place information in the next newsletter which indicates that anyone who is interested
in serving on any board can share their information with the Borough Manager and then the Borough
can create a data base which indicates public interest rather than the Borough searching for people when
there are vacancies.
Mr. Wright stated that vacancies/position openings will be available on the website and possibly mailed
with water bills, as well as announced by the Borough Manger at meetings during the Manager’s report
to make the public aware of openings.
A motion was made by Ms. Marcinko and seconded by Mr. Albert. The motion carried.
Ms. Marcinko asked if appointed members of the various boards and planning commissions have to be
sworn in, which Mr. Wion indicated they do.
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Borough Manager: Civil Service Commission
Due to new Civil Service Commission Rules established in 2012 the rules now call for a quorum of 3
members to be present for any Civil Service meetings that take place. The old rules indicated a quorum
of 2 members. There is currently 3 members on the Civil Service Commission. The Borough is
currently looking for an alternate to serve on the committee. If individuals are interested, the Manager
expressed that they can share their information with her and that the Borough is currently looking for an
alternate.
An individual was interested but after further review they recused themselves and therefore an opening
is present.
Mr. Wright said that the issue would be tabled for the moment and that any résumés could be submitted
to the Borough Manager. Mr. Wion indicated that there are qualifications for the position.
Borough Manager: Approval of the reviewed Non-Uniform MMO
Ms. Gellatly stated that there was a revision in the non-uniform MMO for 2014. The new updated
amount is $147,504. This was an increase in the amount that was earlier approved and the difference
between the two was $4,300. The MMO in front of Council today is for an additional $4,300 which
was discovered when actuaries were finishing their evaluation that the numbers needed to change to
reflect their findings.
A motion was made by Mr. Albert and seconded by Ms. Marcinko. The motion carried.
Councilwoman Maria Marcinko: Clean Up the Town Project
Ms. Marcinko asked that Ms. Gellatly register the Borough for the PA Department of Transportation’s
Clean Up the Town Project to gain free clean up supplies from the Department.
A motion was made by Ms. Marcinko and seconded by Mr. Albert. The motion carried.
Audience Participation:
Kristen Tate, 704 North Front Street
Ms. Tate asked Mr. Wion if there was anything in the Public Meetings Resolution that pertained to
Council member’s decorum towards residents. Ms. Tate shared that she was treated poorly by Borough
employees and she was asked to leave two weeks prior. Ms. Tate wanted to know if the same rules
apply to the officials.
Mr. Wion indicated, no. Further, the Borough Council does not have to respond to members but that
public comments and questions are present for Council’s consideration. The meeting of Borough
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Council is Council’s meeting. The Borough encourages public participation and attendance. Members
of Council will not be removed because it is their meeting.
Ms. Tate shared that she understood Mr. Wion’s answer. Ms. Tate shared that she received a letter from
the Borough apologizing for the Borough Manager’s disrespectful actions towards her. Ms. Tate shared
that there should be some sort of agreement to ensure that all parties are respected properly. Further, the
actions of the officials can be very rude and unwarranted. Prior actions of the officials include cutting
residents off as well as using expletives. This should not be the case. Ms. Tate thanked Council for
their time.
Markis Millberry, 349 Spruce Street
Mr. Millberry questioned what the plans were for the $58,800 refund from the city of Harrisburg that the
Borough received in April. Mr. Wion indicated that the money came as part of the settlement with the
city for sewer and that it will go into the sewer account. Mr. Millberry stated that during Candidates
Night, the Mayor indicated that he would do his best to ensure that the money from the settlement go
back to the people of Steelton. Mr. Wion stated that Council would have to determine the proper use
under statute and that it has to be used for sewer matters.
Mr. Millberry questioned what projects the Borough be tabling in order to pay for the DEP fine of
$55,000 to the Water Authority. Council clarified that the Water Authority is responsible for their own
projects.
Mr. Millberry questioned about the garage that is leased by the Borough and where it is located. Mr.
Millberry indicated that it is included as part of the budget. Ms. Marcinko indicated that it is used for
storage.
Mr. Millberry shared that he would be speaking on behalf of Steelton residents and that he would like to
submit a letter which seeks the resignation of Mayor Acri and Borough Manager, Sara Gellatly. Mayor
Acri indicated that he currently serves as the Mayor and intends to finish his term. Mr. Millberry stated
that Ms. Gellatly does not have the qualifications to serve as Borough Manager. The letter states that the
residents of Steelton find that the Mayor and Borough Manager are incapable of protecting the Borough
and that their resignations would ensure optimal municipal governance. Mr. Wright indicated that
Council would review the letter.
Charlie Lawson, 401 Columbia Street
Mr. Lawson was also present with his granddaughter, Brooklyn Livingston. Mr. Lawson indicated that
he is Ms. Livingston’s guardian. Mr. Lawson shared that Ms. Livingston was a patient of Doctor Szada
and that she was being examined by improperly sanitized medical instruments. Mr. Lawson shared that
he visited the Department of Health and learned of other available doctors.
Mr. Wright directed Mr. Lawson that the subject matter he discussed was not appropriate for the Council
meeting because Council is not a medical board.
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Mr. Lawson said that he is retired from IBM Cooperation as a senior accountant, manager accountant,
financial consultant and systems analyst. Mr. Lawson shared that he is a graduate and familiar with
auditing, appropriations, purchase orders, etc. and no one individual should be handling appropriations,
purchase orders, writing of checks, or salaries administration. Mr. Lawson stated that Mayor Acri
should not be in control of a $3 million budget. Mr. Lawson shared that Mayor Acri does not have the
authority to oversee this money.
Mr. Lawson questioned why water and sewer bills are so high and how the salary of the Police Chief is
so inflated.
Ms. Marcinko stated as Chair of the Finance Committee that a Mayor in the state of Pennsylvania has no
vote on Council. Further, the Mayor has nothing to do with the finances.
Mr. Lawson clarified that he was speaking about the Water Authority budget.
Mr. Wright said there would be no more discussion pertaining to the Water Authority. Meetings of
Borough Council are not the appropriate place to vocalize Water Authority issues. Mr. Lawson stated
that there is too much overlap and that the Mayor of the Borough serving on the Water Authority is not
appropriate.
Mr. Lawson stated that Penn State University graduates studying microbiology and related fields would
be appropriate for the position and their salaries would be better for the Borough.
Candice Ann Kinter, 380 South 7th Street
Ms. Kinter shared that she had a problem calling Borough office and that 80% of the time a resident
makes a call to the Borough office that they receive an answering service. Further, the secretaries are
rude. Ms. Kinter explained that as a taxpayer she can call as frequently as she feels necessary.
Ms. Kinter shared that Ms. Marcinko should be the Mayor.
Ms. Kinter said that the Borough administrative staff are uninformed and are not aware of meetings.
Ms. Kinter explained that she would like that matter addressed immediately.
Ms. Kinter stated that the only office you can successfully contact on the phone is the police.
Ms. Kinter asked how an individual can get an answer on the same day that they call the Borough. Mr.
Wright stated that they would discuss the issue in the Personnel Committee.
Markis Millberry, 349 Spruce Street
Mr. Millberry indicated that he and Jenna (last name not indicated) would like to volunteer to serve on
the Steelton Foundation. Mr. Millberry indicated that he is working to seek non-profit status for
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Steelton on the Move, but currently it is just a program. Mr. Millberry stated that he would like to be on
the Steelton Foundation in order to start acquiring grant money to benefit the community. Mr. Wright
stated that Mr. Millberry can share his interest with the Borough Manager and submit his résumé.
Council Concerns:
Councilman Albert stated that Council does care about the community. Further, Mr. Albert indicated
that as public officials it is their responsibility to knock on doors and gain signatures for petitions. Mr.
Albert stated that Council members are working individuals and have families and they wouldn’t be
serving if they didn’t care about the community.
Councilwoman House indicated that when Mr. Millberry approached Council members about the garden
project, she felt that she should have been notified.
Ms. House also indicated that she spoke with the Borough Manager about Steelton Youth in Action
having access to a basketball league. Ms. House indicated that she spoke with Mr. Proctor. Ms. House
shared that she noticed that someone is promoting Steelton Elite and would like to know how that
happened. Ms. House asked if anyone can use the playgrounds and if Council has to vote on it. Ms.
Gellatly shared that if an individual wants to reserve a park they have to submit a request with a
secretary and as long as no one has reserved the park, access to the park will be given if a reservation is
granted.
Councilwoman Marincko shared that Borough News is an excellent publication and encouraged review
of articles titled, “How to be a Better Leader” and “Finding Your Way When Making Politically
Unpopular Decisions.”
Ms. Marcinko shared that members are present for meetings the first and third Monday of every month.
Ms. Marcinko shared that Council does not have access to money. Further, Council cares about the
community, doesn’t get paid large salaries, and doesn’t go to paid dinners. Council members are
working on Borough issues 5-6 days a week and stated that her phone rings 24 hours a day and that
when it rings she answers. Ms. Marcinko stated that staff does work extremely hard to resolve issues.
Ms. Marcinko stated that Council will not govern by Facebook and that slanderous remarks and false
information must stop. Ms. Marcinko stated that Council is an open book and that individuals can file
Right-to-Know requests for accurate information.
Ms. Marcinko indicated that, in regards to the garden, that Mr. Millberry came to the Borough to ask if a
piece of Borough property could be used for the garden and that his question for use was appropriate.
Ms. Marcinko shared that Council is available to help residents, not misrepresent them.
Other Business:
There was no other business at this time.
P a g e | 14
Steelton Borough Council Meeting
4/21/14
Adjournment:
Mr. Wright entertained a motion for adjournment. A motion was made by Mr. Shaver and seconded by
Mr. Albert. The Steelton Borough Council meeting of April 21, 2014 was adjourned at 8:24 p.m.
Respectively Submitted:
__________________________________
Sara Gellatly
Borough Secretary
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