City Council

Page 1 Borough of Steelton Council Agenda July 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 billing, requisitions and change order as present for: Approval of Department Reports: Fire and Ambulance Police Public Works Code Enforcement NEDC Committee Mayor’s Report Borough Manager’s Report Borough Treasures Reports Public Comment on Agenda Items Only Presentations: Communication:  Page 2 Borough of Steelton Council Agenda July 21, 2014 Unfinished Business: New Business: Council Members To review Civil Services Rules Council Members Request approval for road closure at Dupont and Hoffer St for a Block Party August 30, 2014 from 10:00 am until 7:00 pm. Mr. Wion Vehicle Traffic Ordinance 2014-3 Mr. Wion Resolution 2014-R-11 Authorizing filling of exemption Appeal for east end park and rec area Audience Participation Markis Millberry would like to Address the road conditions at 4th and Walnut St. Council Concerns Executive Session Other Business Adjournment  Steelton Borough Council Meeting July 21, 2014 Members Present: Members Absent: Jeffery L. Wright, Council President Sara Gellatly, Manager Maria Marcinko, Vice-President Michael Albert, Pro-Tem MaryJo Szada, Councilperson Steven Shaver, Councilperson Brian Proctor, Councilperson Denae House, Councilperson Thomas F. Acri, Mayor David Wion, Solicitor Call Meeting to Order: President Jeffery Wright called the meeting of the Steelton Borough Council to order at 6:30 pm followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. Moment of Silence: A moment of silence was led by Mayor Acri. Executive Session between meetings: Mr. Wright announced that there was no executive session held between meetings. Approval of Schedules of Billing, Requisitions and Change Order as Presented: Mr. Albert made a motion, seconded by Mr. Proctor, and the motion carried to approve the schedules of billing, requisitions, and change orders as presented. Approval of Department Reports: Fire and Ambulance Police Public Works Code Enforcement NEDC Committee-Mr. Proctor stated that at the previous NEDC Committee there was discussion about $8,000 for Steelton Youth in Action. Mr. Proctor indicated that he had questions due to him not being present at the last committee meeting. Mr. Proctor asked Ms. House how many children are active in the program. Ms. House indicated that there was about 30-40 children involved. Minutes of Steelton Borough Council July 21, 2014 Meeting 1 Mr. Proctor asked when the money was allotted to the program. Mr. Wion stated that on October 15, 2012, Ms. Marcinko made a motion to approve the $8,000 in CDBG funding be allocated to the Steelton Youth in Action Program with the understanding that project manager would be responsible for the Borough property that would be purchased by the program. Mr. Proctor stated that he was not on Council in 2012 and requested that Mr. Wion explain to Council the requirements that were supposed to be met under the conditions of SYIA receiving the grant funding. Mr. Proctor also asked if Ms. House could then update Council on whether or not the stated requirements have been met. Mr. Wion replied that in 2013, Mr. George Connor of the Dauphin County Office of Community and Economic Development had sent an email to Ms. House in regards to the $8,000. Mr. Connor’s email indicated seven conditions that must be met per CDBG grant requirements in a document titled, “Steelton Borough CDBG Items Needed for the SYIA Program.” Mr. Connor’s communication indicated that three of the requirements were completed, one item was halfway completed, and three requirements remained to be completed. Mr. Connor’s communication stated that the Dauphin County Office of Community and Economic Development would proceed with the grant allocation despite a number of the conditions not being completed, but with the understanding that all items must be completed due to the grant agreement being a contract under the laws. Mr. Wion stated that as a result of that communication, Mr. Wion prepared an agreement between Steelton Borough and Dauphin County to clarify who will be responsible for equipment purchase and insuring against losses under the contract. Mr. Wion further stated that as the Borough understood, the Borough would then enter into an agreement with Steelton Youth in Action to transfer the responsibilities outlined by the County to SYIA as a sub-recipient of the CDBG grant funding. Mr. Wion stated that he gave the draft agreements to Council and Ms. House at that time. Mr. Wion stated that in the agreement, he also took care of item number five from the County, which involved who would take out insurance for the building to be purchased and the equipment to be purchased by SYIA. The insurance obligations were placed in the contract by Mr. Wion to satisfy this requirement by Dauphin County. Mr. Wion stated that he also indicated that in order for Steelton Borough Council to enter into the contract with SYIA, SYIA needed to be a Pennsylvania non-profit corporation, which is the understanding between Ms. House, SYIA, and the Borough Council. Mr. Wion stated that in addition to non-profit articles of incorporation, which is how you become a non-profit corporation, SYIA would need to establish by-laws of their non-profit corporation and agree to execute the contract with the Borough. Mr. Wion stated that Mr. Connor’s letter also indicated that SYIA must have a lease assigned to them for the building to be purchased for the functions that will take place in the building, particularly with the equipment that will be purchased. Dauphin County would need to see the lease as part of satisfying the grant conditions. Minutes of Steelton Borough Council July 21, 2014 Meeting 2 Mr. Wion stated that a letter to the County would not be an acceptable form of satisfying that particular condition. Mr. Wion stated that the aforementioned is basically what SYIA needed to do in order to be eligible for the $8,000 in grant funding. Mr. Proctor asked Ms. House if the Steelton Youth in Action program has met all of the requirements laid out by Mr. Wion pursuant to the letter sent by the Dauphin County Office of Community and Economic Development. Ms. House stated that SYIA has met around 80 percent of the requirements described. Mr. Proctor asked Ms. Theresa Martin and Mr. Richard Cole to address Council. Ms. Martin stated that she resides at 316 North Second Street in Steelton. Mr. Richard Cole stated that he resides at 111 South Second Street in Steelton. Mr. Proctor then asked Ms. Martin if she is affiliated with the Steelton Midget Football Program. Ms. Martin affirmed that she is affiliated with the program. Mr. Proctor asked Ms. Martin the number of children served by the Steelton Midget Football Program. Ms. Martin replied that the program serves between 120-130 kids. Ms. Martin stated that 90 percent of the participants are from Steelton or Highspire with ten percent of participants living out of town but grandfathered into the program. Mr. Proctor asked Mr. Albert if he represents the Steelton Midget Basketball Program. Mr. Albert affirmed that he represents the Steelton Midget Basketball Program. Mr. Proctor asked Mr. Albert the number of children served by the Steelton Midget Basketball Program. Mr. Albert replied that the program serves between 175-200 children. Mr. Proctor asked how many of the participants are from Steelton. Mr. Albert replied that approximately 75 percent to 80 percent of participants are from Steelton. Mr. Proctor stated that after hearing the information presented to Council, he was prepared to make a proposal. Mr. Proctor proposed that the $8,000 of Community Development Block Grant funding previously allotted to the Steelton Youth in Action Program be moved to the Steelton Midget Football, Midget Basketball, and Baseball programs with the understanding that the funding will be a one-time donation that will not be replenished once spent. Mr. Proctor also proposed to donate $2,000 in Borough funds to SYIA to be taken from the funds received from the sale of the 107 N. Front Street property (Old Liquor Store). Mr. Proctor proposed that the $2,000 donation to SYIA would come with no conditions or stipulations unlike the funding from Dauphin County. President Wright asked that Mr. Wion make comments on Mr. Proctor’s proposal before entertaining any motions. Mr. Wion stated that the Borough should check with Mr. Connor and the Dauphin County Office of Community and Economic Development to ensure that Mr. Proctor’s proposed reallocation of Minutes of Steelton Borough Council July 21, 2014 Meeting 3 CDBG funds to the Steelton Midget Football, Basketball, and Baseball programs was an acceptable use. Mr. Proctor replied that he had discussed his proposed reallocation of funds with Mr. Connor and that the County is on board with his proposal. Mr. Wion asked if Mr. Connor stated that the use was acceptable. Mr. Proctor replied that he did. President Wright asked if there were any more comments or questions from Council. Ms. Szada asked if it is possible to take Mr. Proctor’s motion and split it into two motions; one motion stating that Steelton Borough Council take back the $8,000 in CDBG funds from SYIA and reallocate it to the midget sports programs and a separate motion approving the $2,000 donation of borough proceeds from the sale of 107 North Front Street to the SYIA program. Ms. Marcinko then asked Mr. Wion if there is a provision in the contract for selling 107 North Front Street that stipulates when the sale must be closed. Mr. Wion said the sale must be closed within 45 days. Mr. Wion stated that Borough Council could make the donation conditional upon receipt of the proceeds from the sale of 107 N. Front Street. Ms. Marcinko then asked if 107 N. Front Street was originally purchased by the Borough with CDBG funds and if the Borough would then have to give all proceeds from the sale of the property back to Dauphin County. Mr. Wion stated that he was not certain on what funds were used to purchase the building, but that if it were purchased with CDBG funding, the Borough would have to talk with the County to determine the amount of money that would need to be repaid to the CDBG program. Ms. Marcinko then asked that the second motion include a clause making the donation of the $2,000 contingent upon the sale of 107 N. Front Street being finalized including settlement of any funding that may be owed back to Dauphin County. Mr. Albert then made a motion to take $8,000 in Community and Economic Development Block Grant funding from the Steelton Youth in Action (SYIA) Program and reallocate it to the Steelton Midget Baseball, Basketball, and Football programs, seconded by Mr. Proctor. The motion carried. Ms. House thanked Mr. Proctor for suggesting the donation of $2,000 to Steelton Youth in Action. Ms. House stated that SYIA serves everyone regardless of whether they participate in sports activities. Ms. House stated that she knows Steelton is a “sports town” but she believes Council and community should be focusing on supporting educational programs. Ms. House stated that SYIA aims to improve children’s academic performance through its after school program. Ms. House stated that she respects the need for athletics, but that Steelton Youth in Action fills a needed void in providing additional educational opportunities. Ms. House stated Minutes of Steelton Borough Council July 21, 2014 Meeting 4 that children at Steelton-Highspire School District are struggling academically and the community should be focusing on that, as well as sports. Ms. House stated that the focus should not always be about sports. Mr. Wright asked for an individual roll call on the previous motion. Council voted on the motion to take $8,000 in CDBG funding from the Steelton Youth in Action Program as follows: Councilman Proctor – Aye Councilman Albert – Aye Councilwoman Marcinko – Aye Councilman Shaver – Aye Councilwoman House – Nay Councilwoman Szada – Aye Councilman Wright – Aye By a vote of 6 to 1, the motion carried. Mr. Wright then entertained a second motion to allocate $2,000 from the sale of 107 North Front Street to Steelton Youth in action pending the final agreement of sale and confirmation of any funding owed to Dauphin County as a result of the sale. Mr. Albert made a motion, seconded by Ms. Marcinko. Council voted unanimously to approve the motion. Mr. Wright stated that there was not a Manager’s Report or Treasurer’s Report presented to Council for consideration and asked Mayor Acri to give the Mayor’s Report. Mayor’s Report: Mayor Acri reported that the Steelton Junior Police Academy will hold graduation on August 7, 2014. He stated that he will let Council know the time of the event and welcomed members to attend the graduation. Mayor Acri then reported that the Police Department has secured 19 vendors for National Night Out which will be held at the Firehouse. Mayor Acri then detailed the street section that will be closed while the National Night Out event takes place. National Night Out will take place on the second Tuesday in August. Public Works Report: Ms. Marcinko provided Council with the Public Works Report. Ms. Marcinko updated Council on an issue involving a tractor trailer damaging borough property on Third and Swatara Streets. Ms. Marcinko stated that the Public Works crew is repairing the site. Ms. Marcinko also reported that the Public Works Department has completed landscaping and weeding on Sixth Street behind Prince of Peace and also cleaned and laid tanbark at the Swatara Street Wall. Ms. Marcinko then requested Council’s permission to form a Committee to look into organizing an event that will tie into the completion of the Streetscape Phase II Project and the completion Minutes of Steelton Borough Council July 21, 2014 Meeting 5 of the Mohn Street Multi-Generational Park. The event will be called the Taste of Steelton and was recommended by a Steelton resident, Bruce Elliott. The event would consist of all of the different cultural groups in Steelton making dishes that represent their heritage. The Streetscape area or the Mohn Street Multi-generational Park will be used as the site for the Taste of Steelton. Ms. Marcinko clarified, at the request of Mr. Wright, that the Committee would be made up of residents of the Borough, not members of Council, Mr. Wright deferred to Mr. Proctor and stated that the Neighborhood and Economic Development Committee can handle the issue by forming a sub-committee without the need of Council approval. Council agreed with Mr. Wright’s direction. Ms. Marcinko next stated that she received a phone call from Ms. India Garnett. Ms. Garnett had a brother who was killed in action in Vietnam trying to save his commanding officer. Ms. Marcinko requested that Council form a special committee to determine which Steelton residents died in the Vietnam War in order to properly be recognized at the 2015 Veterans Parade. Mr. Proctor then stated that he has spoken with numerous family members of veterans who died in Vietnam and said it would be a great idea to properly recognize the residents who sacrificed their lives in the war. Mr. Wright stated that Fort Indiantown Gap should be able to provide a list of veterans from Steelton who served in the Vietnam War. Mr. Wright then referred the issue to the Neighborhood and Economic Development Committee. With no further discussion offered, Mr. Wright entertained a motion to approve the Department Reports as presented to Council. Mr. Albert motioned to approve the Department Reports as presented to Council, seconded by Mr. Shaver. Council voted unanimously to approve the motion. Public Comments on Agenda Items Only: A member of the public asked if Steelton Youth in Action was considered an agenda item on which she could comment. Mr. Wright replied that the Steelton Youth in Action Program was not an agenda item. The member of the public then asked how she can comment on the SYIA program. Mr. Wright stated that she can comment on the item in the open public comment period towards the end of the meeting. No public comments on agenda items were offered. Presentations: Mr. Wright announced that there were no presentations to be offered at the meeting. Minutes of Steelton Borough Council July 21, 2014 Meeting 6 Communication: Dennis Houser – Resignation from the Dauphin-Lebanon County Boroughs Association Mr. Wright entertained a motion to accept Mr. Houser’s resignation from the Dauphin-Lebanon County Boroughs Association. Mr. Wright asked Mr. Shaver to provide comment on Mr. Houser’s resignation. Mr. Shaver stated that Mr. Houser is the President of Dauphin-Lebanon County Borough’s Association and has done an excellent job. Mr. Houser recently left the Jonestown Borough Council which requires him to resign as President of the Dauphin-Lebanon County Borough’s Association. Mr. Shaver stated that with Mr. Houser’s resignation, Mr. Shaver becomes the President of the Dauphin-Lebanon County Borough’s Association. Mr. Shaver stated that he will not assign any work to Steelton Borough Staff related to his position as President of the Dauphin-Lebanon County Borough’s Association. Mr. Shaver then stated that the Steelton Fire Department will hold a Chicken Barbeque on August 2, 2015, and encouraged everyone to attend. Mr. Albert made a motion to accept the resignation of Mr. Houser from the Dauphin-Lebanon County Borough’s Association, seconded by Mr. Shaver. Council voted unanimously to approve the resignation of Mr. Houser. Mr. Wright then asked Mr. Matthew Cichy of Herbert, Rowland and Grubic, Inc. to present the Monthly Engineer’s Report to Council. Monthly Engineer’s Report Mr. Matthew Cichy of Herbert, Rowland, and Grubic, Inc. (Borough Engineer) presented Council with the Monthly Engineering Report. Mr. Cichy updated Council on the Streetscape Phase II Project stating that the contractor continues with construction on the project. Work completed over the month of June 2014 included curb removal and replacement, streetlight installation, sidewalk removal and replacement, installation of vault doors on the sidewalk, and work on the fire house ramp. Mr. Cichy stated that, as per the Borough’s direction, driveway ramps have been incorporated into the project for the property occupied by El Gallito Restaurant. Work will continue to focus on completing side walk improvements between Pine Street and Lincoln Street. Mr. Cichy stated that work is anticipated to start in the area between Cranberry Alley and Elm Street in early August. Mr. Cichy stated that traffic control and parking restrictions can be expected throughout the project area throughout the duration of the project. Mr. Cichy stated that the contractor is coordinating activities around the National Night Out event planned in August. Mr. Cichy entertained questions from Council on the Streetscape Phase II Project. Mr. Proctor commented that Council did approve the street cutouts at Front and Adams Street. Minutes of Steelton Borough Council July 21, 2014 Meeting 7 A member of the audience asked for Mr. Cichy to give a summary again using the microphone. Mr. Cichy reiterated his summary of Streetscape Phase II Progress, per the resident’s request. Mr. Cichy then noted that HRG, Inc. worked with Borough staff to complete and submit a grant funding application to the Commonwealth Financing Authority for the Greenways, Trails, and Recreation Grant Program. The application submitted is for funding to make various improvements to the Borough’s parks system. The items in the application were previously discussed with Council at prior meetings. Mr. Cichy stated that the grant requested was for approximately $71,000. The Commonwealth Financing Authority is scheduled to make a decision on the grant application at their November 2014 meeting. Mr. Wright entertained any additional questions from Council. Ms. Marcinko asked Mr. Cichy to clarify whether or not the grant application will include installation of safety flooring at Mohn Street Park for the tot-lot area. Mr. Cichy stated that he would need to check on that. Mr. Cichy stated that playground equipment is in the grant proposal. Ms. Marcinko replied that in order to have the playground equipment installed (tot-lot) the safety flooring must be a part of the installation. Ms. House asked Mr. Cichy to explain the process in which HRG, Inc. develops projects for the Borough to consider and how HRG, Inc. identifies funding opportunities for such projects. Ms. House asked if HRG, Inc. has ever held a town hall meeting with residents to gather information on what the community would like to pursue in terms of projects. Ms. House asked for clarification on how projects are chosen and if there is community involvement. Mr. Cichy replied that the CFA had released a list of grant programs in 2014. HRG, Inc. reviewed the list of programs including the Greenways, Trails, and Recreation Grant Program with Borough Manager Gellatly. Mr. Cichy further noted that there was no town hall meeting or solicitation of community input when deciding to pursue the grant and project. Mr. Wright told Ms. House that she, or anyone in the community, can bring a project recommendation to the Neighborhood and Economic Development Committee. Mr. Wright instructed the Borough Manager to give a report on all potential grants and possible projects in future Borough Manager Reports given to Council at the second meeting of each month. Ms. House stated that she understood the fact that Council receives reports on grants. She is more interested in knowing the actual process of identifying projects, deciding to pursue them, and deciding to invest money into the project, including grant funding. Ms. House stated that she understood Mr. Cichy’s explanation that HRG, Inc. sits down with the Borough Manager to identify grants that would fit the Borough’s needs. Mr. Wright asked if there were any additional questions or comments from Council for Mr. Cichy. Minutes of Steelton Borough Council July 21, 2014 Meeting 8 Hearing none, Mr. Wright entertained a motion to approve the Monthly Engineer’s Report as presented by Mr. Cichy. Mr. Albert made a motion to approve the report, seconded by Ms. Marcinko. Council voted unanimously to approve the Monthly Engineer’s Report as presented by Mr. Cichy. Unfinished Business: Mr. Wright announced that there was no “Unfinished Business” to be considered by Council. New Business: Review of Civil Service Rules: Mr. Wright announced that Council received an updated review of Civil Service Rules for Council to consider at the August 4th meeting. Mr. Wright asked Council members to review the “track changes” in the document in order to be prepared to take action on the document at the August 4, 2014, Council meeting. Mr. Wion brought up a procedural matter stating that the Civil Service Commission with its solicitor reviews its Rules and Regulations. The Commission with its solicitor then makes any changes to the Rules and Regulations and sends them to Council to approve as official rules of the Borough. Mr. Wion stated that the document before Council encompasses the changes that will be adopted by the Civil Service Commission. Therefore, Mr. Wion stated, if Council members have any concerns or changes before the next Council meeting, they would have to be reviewed by the Civil Service Commission. Council, at its August 4th meeting, will adopt a resolution that has already been approved by the Civil Service Commission. Mr. Wion asked Council to contact him with any suggested changes or concerns. Mr. Wion also stated that the Civil Service Rules and Regulations resolution should be adopted at the August 4th Council meeting given the new round of Civil Service Applications resumes in August 2014. Mr. Wright reiterated that if there are any suggested changes or concerns with the current Civil Service Rules and Regulations document before Council, Council members should email Mr. Wion and carbon copy Borough Manager Gellatly. Mr. Wion added that the framework of the Civil Service Rules and Regulations is provided from the Borough Code. They are also impacted by the Borough’s collective bargaining agreement to some extent. Mr. Wion stated that the Rules and Regulations are tightly regulated by law and asked Council to be aware of that. Mr. Shaver replied to Mr. Wion stating that the changes were made to meet the requirements of state law or changes in statutes that deal with Civil Service. Mr. Wion confirmed Mr. Shaver’s statement. Mr. Wright entertained further questions/comments. No questions or comments were offered. Minutes of Steelton Borough Council July 21, 2014 Meeting 9 Request for Approval to Close Road at Dupont and Hoffer Street for a Block Party on August 30, 2014 from 10:00 AM until 7:00 PM Mr. Wright stated that before he entertains a motion to approve the road closure, he would like to ask Acting Police Chief King if he has any concerns about closing the road at that date and time. Chief King stated that he did not have any concerns. Chief King reminded Council that the requestors must provide their own barricades to close the road. Mr. Wright then asked for any concerns or comments from Council members. Ms. Szada stated that there will be a dunk tank and other equipment used at the Block Party and asked who would be responsible for insurance coverage of the event in case someone is injured. Mr. Wion stated that the Block Party is not a borough function (the Borough is simply closing the street) and stated that the organizer of the Block Party is responsible for any insurance coverage and dealing with any liabilities as a result of the Block Party. Ms. Marcinko stated that Council had previously approved the closure of a section of street from Highland Street to Washington Street for the July 4th weekend. Ms. Marcinko stated that the Mayor received calls from Ms. Barksdale because the organizers of the event had not solicited the approval of everyone in the neighborhood that lived on that section of street. Ms. Marcinko stated that “No Parking” signs were put up in the area which were stolen. Ms. Marcinko also stated that there were some residents who lived in the Block Party area who were vacationing during the time of the party and were not notified about the road closure. As a result, their cars were towed by the Police Department without those residents being aware. Ms. Marcinko and Mayor Acri recommended that Council review the procedure for approving road closures including setting parameters and requirements regarding notification/consent of residents in the area where a road will be closed. Ms. Marcinko stated that Council may want to request additional information from the requestor about the August 30th road closure including whether or not residents were notified and if they consent to the road closure. Mr. Wright asked if there is enough time to gather more information and table approval of closing the road between Dupont and Hoffer Streets. Ms. Marcinko stated that she did not even know who is requesting the closure. Ms. Marcinko stated that the Borough will have to find out who the requestor is. Mr. Wright asked Council if they would agree to table the issue until the August 4th meeting until more information is gathered about the requestor and consent of those living in the road closure area. Mr. Shaver stated that the residents requesting the road closure for August 30th have had the same request approved in the past for the same block of road to be closed off. Mr. Shaver asked how it is even possible to get full consent/concurrence from residents in the area. Minutes of Steelton Borough Council July 21, 2014 Meeting 10 Mr. Proctor recommended that Council approve the specific request before Council given that it has been approved in the past and work on prospective changes to the request process and guidelines for road closure approval. No record of a motion/vote is available for this item of business. Ordinance 2014-3 – Vehicle Traffic Ordinance Mr. Wion presented Ordinance 2014-3 to Council which approves the designations of two special purpose parking zones: one at 139 and One-half Adams Street and one at 169-171 South Fourth Street. Mr. Wion stated that both spots are in existence currently due to being approved by Resolution (as per normal Council procedure). It is customary for Council to approve a special purpose parking spot by resolution. After a period of around 6 months, Mr. Wion drafts an ordinance incorporating the special purpose parking zones into the Steelton Borough Code. Mr. Wion stated that Ordinance 2014-3 does just this for the aforementioned special purpose parking zones. Mr. Shaver made a motion to approve Ordinance 2014-3, seconded by Ms. House. Council voted unanimously to approve Ordinance 2014-3. Resolution 2014-R-11 – Authorizing Filing of Exemption Appeal for East End Park and Recreation Area: Mr. Wion stated that Resolution 2014-R-11 is an authorization to file an exemption application with the Dauphin County Board of Assessment Appeals in relation to the East End Park and Recreation Area. Currently, the property is not exempt from taxation despite being a public property being used for a public purpose. In order to begin the process of approving the tax- exempt status of the property, the Borough must file an exemption appeal with the Board of Assessment Appeals before August 1st. Mr. Wion requested that Council authorize the filing of an exemption appeal by passing Resolution 2014-R-11. Mr. Wright entertained a motion to approve Resolution 2014-R-11. Mr. Albert motioned to approve Resolution 2014-R-11, seconded by Ms. House. Council voted unanimously to pass Resolution 2014-R-11. Audience Participation: Mr. Markis Millberry Request to Address Council Regarding Road Conditions at 4th Street and Walnut Street Ms. House asked Mr. Wright why Mr. Millberry is listed on the agenda under “Audience Participation” rather than under “New Business.” Mr. Wright stated that since the Borough Manager was not present for the meeting, they are doing the best they can. Minutes of Steelton Borough Council July 21, 2014 Meeting 11 Ms. House replied that if the Borough knows that Mr. Millberry requested to be on the agenda prior to the meeting he should be able to speak under “New Business” to his particular issue and be able to speak about any other issue under “Audience Participation.” Mr. Wright stated that Council can return to “New Business” to consider Mr. Millberry’s issue. New Business: Mr. Markis Millberry Request to Address Council Regarding Road Conditions at 4th Street and Walnut Street Mr. Wright returned to “New Business” and asked Mr. Millberry to address Council concerning his issue. Mr. Millberry stated that he stays at 349 Spruce Street. Mr. Millberry stated that he would like to address Council about the road conditions at 4th Street and Walnut Street. Mr. Millberry stated that they are two main roads in the Borough that are heavily traveled and contain numerous pot holes. Mr. Millberry stated that if one were to look at Walnut Street, the potholes do not go up the entire street but, rather, are at the section of Walnut Street between Second and Fourth Streets. Mr. Millberry stated that there are several potholes and his friend recently had a flat tire due to driving on Walnut Street. Mr. Millberry stated that 4th Street also needs repair. He stated that PennDOT is going to be fixing Pine Street and Harrisburg Street, and that the Borough should be taking care of its streets as well. The main focus being Walnut and Fourth Streets. Mr. Millberry asked if Council can consider repairing and repaving those streets. Mr. Wright stated that the Chair of the NEDC Committee, Mr. Proctor, will take note of his request for the NEDC Committee to consider. Mr. Wright then corrected himself, stating that Mr. Millberry’s request would be turned over to the Public Works Committee. Audience Participation: Mr. Wright resumed the “Audience Participation” section of the agenda by opening the floor to the public to discuss any issues of concern. Ms. Joyce Culpepper – 237 North Harrisburg Street Ms. Culpepper stated her concerns and disagreement with Borough Council for taking $8,000 from SYIA previously in the meeting. Ms. Culpepper stated that children in Steelton need something to do, whether it is sports or education and that the money should have been divided three ways. Ms. Culpepper stated that Council is taking away money from a program that provides educational opportunities to children that is sorely needed. Ms. Culpepper asked Council to take Minutes of Steelton Borough Council July 21, 2014 Meeting 12 a look at Steelton-Highspire School District’s State PSSA scores stating that student test scores are “terrible.” Ms. Culpepper stated that children in Steelton need after school programming and education opportunities, and that she is glad that she and Ms. House had the foresight to create an after school program. Ms. Culpepper stated that Ms. House has dedicated a lot of time to the SYIA program. Ms. Culpepper stated that to take the $8,000 away and give it to two sports program and give SYIA only $2,000 from a $30,000 building makes her very upset. Ms. Culpepper stated that, while her children are grown, she knows what education can do: it keeps kids out of the criminal justice system and improves their performance in school. Ms. Culpepper stated that many parents do not have a high school education and that SYIA is trying to change the culture to education kids. Ms. Culpepper stated that it is an injustice to give SYIA only $2,000 while taking $8,000 away from the program. Ms. Culpepper asked Council to consider all children in the borough, not just athletes. Ms. Culpepper stated that it is time for the School Board and Council to come together and work together to change the educational environment for the Borough’s children. Mr. Albert replied to Ms. Culpepper by stating that he has worked with the midget sports programs for 22 years and that the money is not going to only two organization. Mr. Albert stated that the money is going to the basketball, baseball, and football programs. Mr. Albert stated that people do not realize how hard it is for the midget sports programs to support themselves and provide equipment to participants. Mr. Albert stated the 30 to 40 percent of participants do not pay for playing in the sports leagues. Mr. Albert stated that it costs $200 to $250 to equip a child for football, but they are only charging participants $65. Mr. Albert said that organization helps over 200 children. He stated that they hold fundraisers but get very limited participation. Mr. Albert stated that the $8,000 is going to good use and will benefit the youth of Steelton. Ms. House replied by asking Mr. Albert if he thinks it is okay that Steelton youth have an opportunity to play sports, but not get a high school diploma. Mr. Albert replied to Ms. House by stating that she has not seen the sports programs in action and that he and his brother are well-know at the school because they check up on the academic progress of their program participants. Mr. Albert stated that it is not all about sports. Ms. Culpepper stated that she sees nothing wrong with sports, but that the Borough must value and consider other youth that do not play sports. Ms. Culpepper talked about her experience being the parent of a music student and the need to have music opportunities. Ms. Culpepper stated that she knows there is a poverty issue in Steelton that prices many families out of opportunities like sports, music, art, and educational enrichment. Ms. Culpepper stated that she simply believes the money should have been distributed evenly. Mr. Albert stated that the $8,000 will be split between four programs (basketball, baseball, football, cheerleading) which each program getting $2,000 apiece. He then stated that SYIA will also be receiving $2,000 so it all is evenly distributed. Mr. Albert also stated that reallocating the Minutes of Steelton Borough Council July 21, 2014 Meeting 13 $8,000 in CDBG funds to the sports programs will ensure that it will not sit unused and potentially have to be turned back to the County. Ms. Culpepper replied that the Council should have never awarded $8,000 to SYIA if it was going to take the money back. Ms. Natashia Woods – 181 South Front Street, Apt. 2 Ms. Woods stated that her son plays football and basketball, and that she knows what Mr. Albert and those running the midget sports leagues go through. Ms. Woods stated that if SYIA initially received the $8,000 in CDBG funds in October of 2012, there should have been a reporting system in place to ensure SYIA was spending the money. Ms. Woods stated that the Borough Council or Steelton Community Development Foundation should have been requesting an update on the project status every three months. Ms. House replied that she would have expected at least a letter informing SYIA that the $8,000 in CDBG funding needed to be spent by a certain deadline before being reallocated. Ms. House stated that the SYIA Board had reorganized which held up the process of spending the $8,000 but they were still moving forward. Ms. House stated that the Borough should have notified SYIA of the grant timeline and at least given them an opportunity to spend the funds. Ms. House reminded Council about the $128,000 in CDBG funding that was almost lost in 2012. Ms. House asked why the Council is focusing on taking $8,000 from SYIA when they did not share the same concern over the $128,000 in CDBG dollars almost lost in 2012. Ms. Woods stated that she hoped the public will be able to see how the midget sports programs spend the $8,000. Todd Lawson – Business Owner – 349 North Front Street Mr. Lawson provided an update on SYIA to Borough Council stating that a couple months ago, he was brought in as a project manager tasked with turning SYIA from a program into a formal organization. Mr. Lawson stated that the fact that the program deals with children makes the process of turning SYIA into a formal organization arduous and time consuming. Mr. Lawson stated that SYIA has put together a board, set up bylaws, created articles of incorporation, drafted policies and procedures, and sent out facility proposals to Steelton-Highspire High School, churches, and Dauphin County. SYIA also started an official membership drive the week of July 14th and is setting up a volunteer clearance process on Saturday, July 26th. Mr. Lawson stated that he wants Council to know that the SYIA organization is professionalizing and it needs the Borough’s support as time moves on. Dennis Heefner – 337 Swatara Street Mr. Heefner stated that he attended the Capital Area Regional Council of Governments (CAPCOG) meeting as a delegate. One of the issues CapCOG is discussing is getting municipalities together to send out bids for trash removal. Mr. Heefner asked where the Borough Minutes of Steelton Borough Council July 21, 2014 Meeting 14 is at with its trash contract. Mr. Wright replied that the Borough is in the middle of a five year trash contract. Mr. Heefner thanked Ms. Marcinko for sending the Public Works Department to clean up the Swatara Street wall and perform landscaping. Mr. Heefner suggested that Council invest in planting crown vetch in the bank above where the mulch is at the Swatara Street Wall or plant vines that can choke out the weeds in the area. Mr. Heefner stated that the Swatara Street Retaining Wall is covered in soot from three years of traffic going up and down Swatara Street. Mr. Heefner stated that when the wall was built, the Borough did not have the money to apply a sealant. Mr. Heefner stated that the Borough must pressure treat the wall in order to clean the soot off. Mr. Heefner stated that the cracks in the wall are also getting bigger and are now including spider cracks. Mr. Heefner stated that if the wall falls down, it will cost at least $500,000 to put it back up. Mr. Heefner also expressed concern about residents being displaced if the wall collapses due to its disrepair. Mr. Heefner asked Council to get back into the habit of monitoring and fixing the issues with the Swatara Street Retaining Wall. Mr. Heefner then notified Council about a pothole at Second Street and Swatara Street stating that it gets deeper and deeper. Mr. Heefner stated that potholes are turning into craters and will cause a large problem if it is not fixed. Mr. Heefner urged Council and the Public Works Department to start fixing the potholes in the Borough before they become larger issues. Mr. Heefner stated that three months ago he reported the issue with the missing emblem at the bottom of the Locust Street steps. Ms. Marcinko stated that the Borough took the emblem while they are fixing a sewer issue and will replace it when they are finished fixing the sewer issue. Mr. Heefner then stated that the disabled ramp installed on Front Street as part of the Streetscape Phase II Project does not comply with zoning requirements. Mr. Heefner stated that area is zoned for a four-foot pavement. Mr. Heefner stated that HRG, Inc. and the Borough did not come before the Zoning Hearing Board to request a variance. Mr. Heefner stated that pavement is not four-feet wide in the location of the disabled ramp. Mr. Heefner stated that there is barely enough room for a wheelchair to get through the disabled ramp. Mr. Heefner stated that if someone is walking along Front Street and comes to a handicapped ramp, there is only room for one person to fit through. Mr. Heefner stated that he cannot believe that the state passed the inspection of the ramp. He stated that he is not sure what happened with the disabled ramp, but that it is not up to code. Mr. Heefner then stated that there is a television set sitting on the sidewalk on North Front Street that has been sitting for weeks. Mr. Heefner called it an accident waiting to happen. Minutes of Steelton Borough Council July 21, 2014 Meeting 15 Mr. Heefner stated that Steelton is looking deplorable with property maintenance down, trashcans sitting out, porches with non-allowable items and furniture on them. Mr. Heefner said that Codes is being inundated with only Ms. McCall and Ms. Brubacher in the Codes Office. Mr. Heefner stated that the Borough should get an Assistant Codes Officer to help with property maintenance enforcement. Mr. Heefner then stated that he has never seen so many trashcans sitting out in the open and that once we let the blight get to a certain point, it is hard to recover from. Markis Millberry – 349 Spruce Street, Apt. A Mr. Millberry asked about the status of the community garden that was proposed for Adams and Harrisburg Streets. Mr. Millberry requested that Council conduct a vote at the meeting to approve starting the community garden in April 2015. Mr. Wright replied that there will not be a vote tonight and that Mr. Millberry must bring the issue to the NEDC Committee. Mr. Proctor stated that the NEDC will consider the issue at their next meeting and gave Mr. Millberry a date and time for the meeting. Mr. Millberry then asked about two summer positions that were recently filled. Ms. Marcinko stated that it is up to the foreman to decide how to fill summer positions. Ms. House asked Ms. Marcinko for recommendations on how the Borough Council can get more minority applicants and employees for jobs. Ms. House then asked why the Borough does not go to Steelton Highspire High School to find candidates for employment. Ms. House asked if there are any policies at the Borough regarding recruiting and hiring of minority candidates. Ms. House then asked about the person taking minutes at the meeting and how she was chosen. Ms. House stated that there are many candidates from the high school that could be doing the job. Ms. Marcinko stated that more minority candidates should be applying. Mr. Millberry stated that if the Borough had properly advertised the summer public works positions he would have informed a number of African-American candidates. Ms. House stated that Borough Council must show all ethnicities and people that they are welcome. Ms. Marcinko stated that there are many ethnicities that are not applying for positions with the Borough. Mr. Millberry stated that the reason is poor advertisement. Minutes of Steelton Borough Council July 21, 2014 Meeting 16 Ms. Marcinko stated that the Borough does advertise positions. Mr. Millberry replied that the two summer public works positions were not advertised. Ms. House then asked about the hiring of Mr. Nate Handley as a part-time employee in the Water Distribution Department. Ms. House asked if Mr. Handley’s hiring was approved by Council. Ms. Marcinko stated that she believes he was a summer employee that was kept on as a part-time employee. Mr. Wright stated that at the first of the year, the Borough sends out a list of all meetings of Council, the Steelton Authority, and Committees. Mr. Wright stated that any Council member or member of the public can come to the meetings to sit in the audience and know what is going on. Ms. House replied that her question had to do with Council voting to approve Mr. Handley’s hiring, not about Committees. She also said her question was about hiring policies of the Borough. Mr. Wright replied that Ms. House, like any Council member, can meet with the Borough Manager at any time to discuss personnel processes. Mr. Wright stated that there is a process and protocol that the Borough Council must follow. Mr. Wright then stated that arguing back and forth does not help the Borough constituents. Ms. House replied that she simply stated a question. Mr. Millberry then stated that the African American Chamber of Commerce could help with the advertisement of positions in the Borough. Mr. Millberry asked about the open Chief of Police position and asked if there could be a candidate’s night where applicants can meet with the public. Mr. Millberry stated that he believes they did this type of event in Middletown. Mr. Wright stated that the Borough will not be doing this, but will be handling the replacement of a Police Chief through the Personnel Committee. Mr. Millberry then asked about the Codes automobile and where it is at. Ms. Marcinko stated that the car is in the shop. She stated that the car was leased for the Director of Public Works but was transferred to Codes after he retired. Ms. Marcinko stated that they must put miles on the car because of the lease. Ms. Marcinko noted that once the Public Works Department is brought back to a full complement the car will be returned to Public Works. Mr. Millberry stated that he likes the bricks installed on Front Street as part of the Streetscape Phase II Project. Mr. Millberry voiced concerns over maintenance and cleaning of the bricks based on the condition of the bricks installed in the mid-2000’s. Mr. Millberry stated that the bricks do not get power-washed or cleaned and are going to look run down if not maintained. Mr. Millberry asked if there is a maintenance plan for the new streetscape area. Minutes of Steelton Borough Council July 21, 2014 Meeting 17 Mr. Wright stated that once the work is completed, Public Works will come up with a plan to maintain and clean the area. Mr. Millberry stated that he submitted an application for the Assistant Codes Officer position. He stated that he wanted to be on the safe side and let Council know because the Borough hired two summer public works positions without letting the public know. Mr. Millberry stated that he is submitting his application by hand to be sure the Borough does not put someone in the position without the public knowing. Mr. Wright asked Mr. Millberry to give his resume to the Chair of the Personnel Committee. Ms. Marcinko stated that she is happy to take the application at this meeting, but that once the job is advertised, he will have to re-apply under the requirements of the new posting. Mr. Wright asked Mr. Millberry to keep following up with Council. Mr. Millberry asked when the project to address the surface water running on Adams Street will commence. Mr. Cichy stated that design is being finalized on the project. HRG, Inc. must coordinate with UGI but plans to advertise the bid for the project within the next month. Mr. Millberry then asked about the money Harrisburg City has given to Steelton as part of its settlement for overcharging the Borough for sewage treatment. Mr. Millberry stated that the Borough will receive $262,000 by 2019 as part of the settlement. Mr. Millberry asked where that money will go. Mr. Wright replied that the money will go directly into the Sewer Fund. Emmual Powell – 321 Lebanon Street Mr. Powell stated that he has been attending Council meeting since 1953. Mr. Powell stated that no individual ever hired by the Borough has ever went through a Civil Service Exam and that they are hired through Council. Ms. Marcinko stated that no one is hired through Civil Service except for the Police Officers. Mr. Powell asked who sits on the board for the union and asked who negotiates with the union for contracts. Ms. Marcinko stated that there is a negotiating committee. Mr. Powell discussed issues with the trash and handling of the trash cans by waste management. Further, because the company can’t properly and efficiently do their job, the Borough should contract with a different company. Mr. Powell asked how many individuals are allowed in a single dwelling home. Mr. Wright indicated that the Codes office has that answer. Mr. Powell stated that there is a house on Lincoln Street with over 40 people in it. Minutes of Steelton Borough Council July 21, 2014 Meeting 18 Renee Bowers-504 Lincoln Street Ms. Bowers shared frustration regarding facebook involvement and negativity about the Borough. Ms. Bowers stated that she can call Mr. Joey Conjar or the Mayor at any time with any issue and they will respond but then there is negativity about them on Facebook. Ms. Bowers said that everyone needs to get along. Ms. Bowers shared that she doesn’t understand why people are negative about the Steelton Police when she has found them to be very responsive. As a small community, Ms. Bowers said that everyone needs to get together. Council Concerns: Ms. House thanked Ms. Bowers for her comments. Ms. House shared her belief that if the Borough was more transparent it would alleviate a lot of problems, especially with regards to meeting minutes and agendas. Communication with the residents would alleviate a lot of problems. Ms. House stated that Council needs to ensure that meeting minutes are made available to the public. Ms. House stated that there just needs to be more effort from Council. Mr. Shaver thanked everyone for their attendance and thanked individuals working on the SIYA program. Mr. Shaver stated that Council has tried to work with the school district in the past and will continue trying. Ms. Marcinko thanked residents for their participation and that the focus of SIYA is wonderful. Mr. Wright said that the website is being worked on and that is where the information should be available, not facebook. Executive Session: Mr. Wright entertained a motion to adjourn into executive session at 8:15 p.m. which was made by Mr. Shaver and seconded by Ms. Marcinko. The motion carried. Adjournment: Following Executive Session, Council returned to regular session and adjourned. Minutes of Steelton Borough Council July 21, 2014 Meeting 19