City Council

Council Agenda August 1, 2016 Meeting Call Meeting to Order: President Jeffrey Wright Pledge of Allegiance: President Jeffrey Wright Moment of Silence: Mayor Thomas F. Acri Executive Sessions between meetings: None Approval of minutes from previous meeting: July 18, 2016 Public Comment of Agenda items only: Swearing In: Mayor Thomas F. Acri Swearing in of Officer Michael Smith Presentations: Ms. Barbara Coates Request to Address Council Regarding Steelton Senior Citizen Center Mr. William Jones Request to Address Council Regarding Youth Issues in the Borough Mr. Justin Mendinsky, HRG, Inc. Presentation of Monthly Engineers Report Communication: Ms. Barbara Coates Request Regarding Senior Center Pop’s House Request for Co-Sponsorship of Gaming Grant Camp Curtin Memorial-Mitchell United Methodist Church Request for Co-Sponsorship of Gaming Grant Boys and Girls Club Request for Co-Sponsorship of Gaming Grant Homeland Center Request for Co-Sponsorship of Gaming Grant 1 Unfinished Business: Mr. Brown Update on Brownfields Project Progress New Business: Chief Minium Approval of Road Closures for Ryan Mohn Walk Chief Vance Appointment of Andrew Mahalchick as Assistant Fire-Chief Mr. Proctor Approval of Borough Participation in Community Back-to-School Block Party Mr. Brown Approval of Resolution 2016 –R26. Removal of Special Parking Permit at 642 S. Second St. Mr. Brown Approval of Payment Application #2 for retainage on Project STE008 for $10,205.91 Mr. Brown Approval of payments to HULL for Project Management for the State Clean Up Grant – $ 4,575.00 Mr. Brown Approval of payment to HULL for Oversight of the State Clean Up Grant - $ 33, 717.77 Mr. Mendinsky Approval of Payment Application for Sanitary Storm Sewer Cleaning and Chief Vance Request for Co-sponsorship of Fire Department Gaming Grant Application for New Air Pacs Public Comments: Council Concerns: Executive Session: To discuss potential litigation. Other Business: Mr. Minium Retirement of Sergeant David Crawford 2 Mr. Minium Approval to Hire Mr. Brett Palmer as New Patrol Officer Adjournment: 3  Council Meeting Minutes August 1, 2016 Present: President Jeffrey Wright Mayor Thomas Acri President Pro Tem Brian Proctor Douglas Brown, Borough Manager Michael Albert David Wion, Solicitor Keontay Hodge Amrinder Singh, Codes Officer Michael Albert Brian Handley, Water Distribution Lead Kelly Kratzer Gene Vance, Assistant Fire Chief Michael Segina Anthony Minium, Chief of Police Thommie Leggett-Robinson, Executive Asst. Absent with cause: Vice President Maria Marcinko Call Meeting to Order: The meeting was call to order by President Jeffrey Wright at 6:30 p.m. Pledge of Allegiance: President Jeffrey Wright led the assembly in the Pledge of Allegiance. Moment of Silence: Mayor Thomas F. Acri led the assembly in a moment of silence in honor of those persons who lost their lives in the course of their duties defending our country and those who lost their lives in the line of duty. Executive Sessions between meetings: Mr. Wright announced that there was no executive session between meetings. Approval of minutes from previous meeting: Mr. Proctor moved and Mr. Segina seconded the motion that the minutes from the July 18, 2016 meeting be accepted as provided. The Council unanimously approved the motion. Public Comment of Agenda items only: There were no comments from the public on items listed on the agenda. Swearing in: Mayor Thomas Acri administered the oath of office to Michael Smith in his new position as an Patrolman in the Steelton Police Department. Officer Smith took the oath with his hand on a Bible held by his fiancé. Following the ceremony, Mr. Acri welcomed Officer Smith to the Steelton Borough staff. President Wright welcomed Officer Smith to service with the Borough. Officer Smith thanked the Council for the opportunity to serve the Borough, which he considered a blessing. He stated that he would do his best and was praying for a successful tour. Presentations: Ms. Barbara Coates, 900 Nelly Court, is the Director of the Steelton Senior Center. Ms. Coates described the financial difficulty the Center is experiencing. The program has had to move several times. The group, of about 20 with 12 regulars, is currently meeting in the Housing Department’s Community Room, however they must move from that location. Finding a grant to support the program is difficult because they do not have a permanent location, which is required by most available grants. The Steelton Lion’s Club has donated $2,500, which has helped pay the person who conducts the exercise class. The Center has $100.00 in its account, after which there are no other funds available. Currently, the Center will pay $500.00 per month to use the Community Room at Hoy Towers and $35.00 per session to the person that conducts the exercise program. Ms. Coates is requesting financial assistance and assistance determining the direction the program should move at this time. Without the support requested, the Senior Center cannot continue to operate. This would not be good for the persons who attend the Center daily, including a person diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. President Wright stated that the Borough is not in a position to provide financial support to the program. The Steelton Development Foundation is in the process of re-establishing its board and that would be the organization used to provide financial support to non-profit organizations in the community. President Wright referred Ms. Coates to Councilperson Hodges, who is the President of the Foundation. Ms. Hodge invited Ms. Coates to talk with the Foundation about the Center at its organizational meeting to be held at 6:30 pm August 9, 2016 in the Council Chambers. Ms. Coates stated that she was glad to hear that the Foundation was being revived and stated that she would attend the meeting. Mr. Emmual Powell, 321 Lebanon Street stated that he was upset that the Council would not immediately come to the rescue of the Center. He stated that the Senior Center has asked little of the Council and he feels that the Council should be more responsive to the Center’s request for $500.00. President Wright responded to Mr. Powell’s statement by explaining that the Council operates on a budget and is unable to provide financial support to any organization, not only because it is not a budgeted item, but it would set a precedence which will cause other programs to believe they can solicit funds from the Borough. However, the matter has been referred to the Finance Committee for review. Mr. William Jones, 230 Jefferson Street raised the issue of the need for more police presence in the community and specifically on Lincoln Street. He explained that having the police around would deter some of the problems being experienced by persons in the community. Mr. Jones is concerned about the safety of children, who would be subject to injury or poor influences from other children and young adults that are on the streets during evening hours. Persons in the community are trying to police the neighborhoods themselves in an effort to offer a measure of safety to young children. Mr. Jones stated that he is not familiar with the new policemen in Steelton and he and other persons would like to know who they are and establish a rapport with the police that would enhance neighborhood safety and cooperation. Mr. Jones stated that he thought the Police Department was doing an excellent job, but respectfully requested greater police presence in the community. It was further indicated that the Council persons should also become more visible in the community so they could see some of the concerns of Borough citizens. Mr. Wright stated that Police Chief Minium, “who has a heart for Steelton” was present in the Chambers and the Chief had taken note of Mr. Jones’ concerns. Chief Minium stated that he would like to see a Community Policing Program developed in Steelton, which would allow the citizens to be more involved. He stated that there are more major crimes per officer in Steelton than there are in Harrisburg, therefore, the police have had to adjust themselves to handle those crimes, which takes away from their time in the community at large. Chief stated that we have hired more officers and the Department is looking forward to implementing a 12 hour shift in order to put more policemen on the streets at one time. The department is awaiting approval from the Police Union so the new hours can be implemented. Ms. Hodge asked Mr. Jones for clarification of his request since it sounded as though he wanted persons to be more afraid of the police but wanted them more visible in the community and building relations as well. Mr. Jones clarified that he does not want the people to be afraid of the police, but he has noted that people do what they are supposed to do when the police are present. He further noted that when the police are not visible, persons have the tendency not to do the right thing. Ms. Hodge stated that she would make an effort to spend more time in the community. Mr. Jones mentioned the seemingly defunct Community Crime Watch Program. Mr. Proctor stated that there was a Community Crime Watch Program in the community but persons did not attend the meeting. He stated that Mr. Powell was the only person who was consistently present. Mr. Proctor responded to a question about the date and time of the meeting by advising the Borough website as a source of information for Steelton Crime Watch meetings scheduled for 2016. Mr. Jones indicated that he will seek to participate in that program. Mr. Justin Mendinsky, HRG, Inc. presented the Monthly Engineer’s Report. Mr. Mendinsky reported: • Harrisburg and Pine Improvement Project: reconstruction on Harrisburg Street between Pine and Adams Streets began today. It was necessary to impose some parking restrictions. The work will continue throughout this week. • Next week, phase two of the project between Cameron and Ridge Street will be performed. • Fire House Improvements Project: there was a request to consider additional work at the Fire House, they will meet with the Borough to review the changes and work with contractors to determine the cost of securing the additional items. • The guard rail on the Swatara Street retaining wall was installed by L.S. Lee Contractors. This will alleviate weight on top of the wall that causes cracking. • The Storm and Sanitary Sewer Project has mobilized additional pipe cleaning personnel to the project to keep the project on schedule. There is continuous contact with Dauphin County to determine if there are additional CDBG funds which might be available for use by the Borough. As the project is being implemented, the need for additional work is apparent. • The Midget Baseball Field CDBG project, is currently out to bid. Bids will be opened on August 31, 2016. Additional information will be available at the September meeting. The President called for a motion to approve the Engineer’s Report. Mr. Albert moved and Ms. Hodge seconded the motion that the Engineer’s Report be accepted as given. The Council passed the motion with a unanimous vote. Communications: The President called for representatives from Pop’s House, which provides housing for veterans, and Camp Curtin Memorial-Mitchell United Methodist Church, for renovation of their historical building, however, there was no one present to make a verbal presentation to support their written requests for Steelton Borough’s co- sponsorship of their 2016-17 Gaming Grant application. Mr. Blake Lynch, Director of Development for the Boys and Girls Club, 409 South Union Street, Middletown, a former resident of Steelton made a presentation on behalf of the Boys and Girls Club. The organization requested the Borough’s support to obtain funding from the Local Share Municipal Grant by being a cosponsor of their grant application. The club is currently located in three places in Harrisburg. One is located on 17th and Hanover Streets, the second on Berryhill Street and the third as an annex in Downey Elementary School. They are seeking funds to renovate and expand the Club on 17th and Hanover to increase the number of children served from 100 to 220. It was noted that a Boys and Girls Club had previously been located in Steelton and there is a desire to locate a Club in this area again. Mr. Lynch stated that there the organization provides services to 1300 children, including about 20 children from the East End and on Lincoln and Adams Street in Steelton. There has been an increase in the number of children served. The organization is requesting $100,000 from Dauphin County and has matching money available. While the Boys and Girls Clubs are located in Harrisburg and services children from Steelton in those locations it was noted that Steelton should seriously look at supporting the program. Mr. Lynch is a member of the Steelton Foundation Board and is committed to helping Steelton develop programs necessary to serve its citizens. Mr. Proctor stated that they are actively working in on a five year plan which includes opening another Boys and Girls Club in Steelton. Ms. Hodge also urged the Council to support the organization’s grant request. During the discussion, President Wright asked a number of questions regarding the Club and how it currently serves the Steelton Community and how it plans to increase its presence in the community. Mr. Barry Ramper, 1901 North Fifth Street, Harrisburg made a presentation on behalf of the Homeland Center, which provides services to persons who are unable to manage their own care because of age or diagnosed illness. The Homeland Center has provided service to metropolitan Harrisburg area for 149 years and looks forward to providing continues services to the community. Several residents, employees and persons on the Board of Directors currently residing in Steelton. Homeland Center is also seeking Steelton Borough’s support and co-sponsorship of their application for a Local Share Municipal Grant in order to purchase an emergency generator. Mayor Acri stated that he thought The Promise House, located on Second and Mohn Streets were also requesting the Borough’s support with their grant request. Mr. Brown did not recall receiving such a request. The Promise House provides services to persons who have exited incarceration. President Wright requested a motion to approve sending letters of support and approving co-sponsorship for the four organizations, Boys and Girls Club, Homeland Center, Pop’s House, Camp Curtin Memorial-Mitchell United Methodist Church. Ms. Hodge moved and Mr. Albert seconded the motion, which was passed unanimously by the Council. Unfinished Business: Mr. Brown updated the Council on the progress being made on the Brownfield Project. A contract has been approved and work has begun on removing the asbestos found in the old Lawson’s and Book Bag buildings. The week of August 22, 2016, final demolition and restoration will begin with an anticipated completion at the end of August. New Business: Chief Minium requested Council approval for closing off streets to ensure the safety of persons participating in the 13th Annual Ryan Mohn walk/run/ride event which will start from the Steelton’s War Veterans Memorial Field at 9:00 a.m. Saturday, August 13, 2016. The fire and police from Swatara, Steelton and will request support from Lower Paxton Township. Mr. Segina moved and Mr. Albert seconded the motion that the request from the Ryan Lee Mohn Memorial Foundation be approved and fire police be authorized to provide support during the event. The Council unanimously passed the motion. The newly appointed Chief Vance requested approval of the promotion of Andrew Mahalchick to Assistant Fire Chief. Mr. Mahalchick is currently serving as Battalion Chief. Mr. Proctor moved and Mr. Albert seconded the motion appointing Mr. Mahalchick Assistant Fire Chief. The Council made a unanimous vote to pass the motion. Mr. Vance alerted the Council that he would seek approval to appoint two new Battalion Chief next month. Mr. Proctor presented information regarding the 7th Annual Community Back-to-School Block Party to be held Saturday, August 20, 2016 on South Second Street between Locust and Walnut Streets. The organizers have requested the Council support in three ways: allow the block off of streets used in the block party, assist in obtaining additional funds by writing solicitation letters on Borough, support by seeking volunteers and attendance. Funding will help purchase book bags, school supplies and food for the event. Present Wright spoke in support of the program. Mr. Albert moved and Ms. Hodge seconded the motion to support the Back- to-School Block Party by doing the three things requested by the organizers. The Council cast a unanimous vote in support of the program. Mr. Proctor stated that he, Councilperson Hodge and Mr. Brown discussed showing a movie in the Brownfield area. Persons would bring blankets and perhaps popcorn could be served at a nice community fellowship. President Wright noted that this had been done in the Borough in the past. Ms. Hodge moved and Mr. Segina seconded the motion that the NEDC develop and execute a Movie Night Program to be held on the Brownfield. The motion was passed by a unanimous vote. Mr. Wion presented Resolution 2016-R26 to the Council for approval. This resolution approves the elimination of the special parking permit designated for 642 South Second Street. Ms. Kratzer moved and Mr. Segina seconded a motion to pass the resolution. The motion passed unanimously. Mr. Brown presented Payment #2 for retainage on Project STE008 for $10,205.91. These funds were withheld for payment pending the contractor’s completion of the project. Everything has been completed except the re-seeding of area where the first seeding did not grow. The work has been approved and funds will be dispersed by DEP from the grant money they sponsored. Mr. Albert moved and Mr. Segina seconded the motion to approval the dispersal of the remaining grant money. The Council passed the motion unanimously. Mr. Brown sought approval for a $4,575.00 payment to HULL for managing the State Clean Up Grant. The Hull Company wrote and managed the grant money. The Borough is paying for services rendered with money from the Borough since the grant did not cover administrative cost. Mr. Albert moved and Ms. Kratzer seconded the motion that Hull be paid for the work it did. The Council unanimously approved the motion. Mr. Brown asked the Council to approve a $33,717.77 payment to the Hull Company for oversight of the State Clean Up Grant. This payment is covered by the grant. The Company supervised the work completed by the contractor to ensure the work was completed as promised. Mr. Albert moved and Mr. Segina seconded the motion that the payment be approved. The motion was passed unanimously by the Council. Mr. Mendinsky presented information to support approval of a $ 106, 999.91 payment request for the Sanitary Storm Sewer Cleaning and Inspection Project. Mr. Proctor moved and Mr. Albert seconded the motion that payment be approved as requested. The motion passed unanimously. Mr. Mendinsky sought approval from the Council to pay $ 24,277.34 for Sanitary Storm Sewer Cleaning and Inspection Project. Mr. Proctor moved and Mr. Albert seconded the motion that the payment be made. The Council voted unanimously to approve the motion. Chief Vance requested Council support for the Fire Department application for a Gaming Grant to purchase new Air Pacs for the Fire Department. The Department currently has 20. They applied before and received a grant that was used to purchase six more Air Pacs. This year’s grant request would cover the purchase an additional six Air Pacs. The life span of the Air Pacs is about ten years, therefore it is necessary to continue to purchase and replace on a regular basis. Mr. Albert moved and Mr. Segina seconded a motion for the Council to support the grant request of the Borough’s Fire Department. The motion carried unanimously. Public Comments: Mr. Emmual Powell, 321 Lebanon Street. Mr. Powell reported that one evening, when the police car was sitting on the street, he observed approximately 30 cars stop at the stop sign. As soon as the police car was no longer visible, nobody stopped at the stop sign. That is why he is supporting the idea suggested by Mr. Jones that a police presence in the neighborhood makes a difference. Secondly, Mr. Powell asked if the Borough had a noise ordinance. There are persons in the neighborhood that repeatedly play loud music late into the night and early morning. The music interrupts the neighborhood quiet time and interferes with sleep. Mr. Wion explained that to take action with the District Justice, one would have to prove the noise rose to the level of decibels described in the law by having a meter and completing a record of the volume and length of noise to show that the noise exceeded the volume stated in the law. Chief Minium stated that there is a noise ordinance which the Police Department hopes it will be able to enforce when they get the new Police Department staffing pattern in place. Mr. Powell was advised not to ask anyone to turn down their music since such action on his part could result in neighborhood problems. Council Concerns: Ms. Kratzer reminded persons that National Night Out will be held tomorrow on Mohn Street. With the cooperation of the Police Department, The Taste of Steelton be a part of the evening’s event. Donations will be accepted throughout the event. President Wright encouraged persons to come out and support the event which is headed by Ms. Kratzer. Mr. Segina also mentioned that National Night Out is scheduled and the Fishing Tournament has been re- scheduled. Mr. Segina congratulated Officer Smith on his appointment and apologized that he was unable to attend the Carnival. He thanked the people for attending the meeting and congratulated Officer Smith and Mr. Vance on their new assignments. Ms. Hodge thanked persons for attending the meeting and attending the Carnival. She gave a thanks to Chief and the Police Department and a special thanks to Ms. Kratzer for her snack donation. A reminder of the upcoming Foundation Meeting was made and she thanked the Police Department for the work they do in the community. Mr. Proctor thanked persons for attending the meeting. He noted that with the construction, Swatara and Front Street are used a lot more and needs to be better maintained. He announced that the Fishing Tournament is scheduled for September 17, 2016. The type of fish will be limited to walleye and catfish. Hopefully there will be more rain so the level of water in the river will increase to a level where fishing is possible. Mr. Procter there is a desire to get bids for the Tot Lot on Mohn Street. The grant money is in place. He requested approval from Council to proceed. Mr. Brown wants authorization to work with HRG and Mr. Wion, after financial and legal reviews have been completed. The grant money must be spent by June 30, 2017. President Wright requested that further information be presented at the next Council meeting. Mayor Acri tennis court was supposed to be installed this year. It had already been approved, but was delayed because of the lack of available funds. Mr. Brown stated that he would meet with Ms. Coats Tuesday regarding the Senior Center. He thanked persons for all of their support during the last few weeks as he faced the death of his Grandmother. The Mayor clarified what was needed to move on the Tot Lot project. Mr. Brown explained that he wanted the authority to do work before the next meeting. Mr. Albert moved and Ms. Hodge seconded the motion, that Mr. Brown and his staff have the authority to move forward on getting information regarding what needs to be done to get the project moving. The motion was unanimously passed by the Council. Chief Vance mentioned the importance of Borough participation in the funeral of former Fire Chief Butts. The Fire Department will be in attendance. The Harrisburg Fire Department has agreed to cover. Police Chief Minium stated that the Department will issue a waver on parking tickets on Second Street from Strawberry to Mohn. Chief Minium requested approval to block off the streets for the Back to School Block Party. Mr. Proctor moved and Mr. Segina seconded the motion which was approved unanimously by the Council. President Wright thanked the persons present for coming out to the meeting. He has been not been able to attend Steelton events on the weekend because he received a promotion on his job with the Veteran’s Affairs Office that requires that he work in all 50 States. The new responsibilities require him to travel on the weekends. The meeting was recessed at 7:55 so that Council could go into an executive session to discuss legal and personnel matters. Executive Meeting: The meeting was called back into session at 8:15 p.m. Mr. Albert moved and Mr. Proctor seconded a motion to accept Officer Dave Crawford’s retirement request effective September 4, 2016. The motion passed unanimously. Ms. Kratzer moved and Mr. Segina seconded a motion that Chief Minium move forward with the hiring of Bret Palmer as a patrolman in the Police Department. Mr. Palmer was in the top three candidates and was recommended for hire by the Civil Service Commission. The motion passed unanimously. Adjournment: Mr. Segina moved and Mr. Albert seconded the motion that the meeting be adjourned at 8:17p.m. The motion passed by a unanimous vote of the Council. Respectfully Submitted, Douglas Brown, Secretary