City Council

Council Agenda December 5, 2016 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 November 21, 2016 meeting Public Comment of Agenda items only: Presentations: Mr. Justin Mendinsky, HRG Inc. Monthly Engineer’s Report Communication: Dauphin County Office of County Commissioners Asking persons to contact their PA Legislator asking them to vote for the continuation of Gaming Grant. Dauphin County Office of Tax Assessment Increase in property assessment due to remodeling of building. Dauphin County Office of Tax Assessment Verification of 2017 Mileage Rates Unfinished Business: New Business: Mr. Wion Ordinance 2016-__ Establishing Appropriations for the 2017 Fiscal Year Mr. Wion Ordinance 2016- __ Establishing Tax Rates for 2017 Fiscal Year Mr. Wion Resolution 2016-R-__ Approving Discounts for tax payers. Ms. Kratzer Finance Committee Recommendation to Approve Supplemental Agreement with HRG, Inc. for MS4-related Services (Supplement #1) December 5, 2016 Council Agenda 1 Ms. Kratzer Approval of Contract with Zelenkofske Axelrod LLC to Provide Auditing Services for FY2016 Mr. Wion Resolution 2016-R- Appointing Borough Independent Auditor for FY 2016 Mr. Brown Review Proposed 2017 Meeting Calendar Mr. Mendinsky Approval of Estimates for final payments for the Storm & Sanitary Inspection & Clearance Project from CDBG-TR Funds Mr. Wion Resolution 2016-R-___ Establishing Special Permit Parking for Shawn Dixon, 409 Reading St. Ms. Kratzer Approval of Steelton Fire Department List of Personnel Authorized to Operate Emergency Vehicles Chief Minium Update on Community Policing Initiatives Chief Minium Presentation of Certified Civil Service List for Promotions – Promotion of William Schaub to Sergeant Position Effective January 1, 2017 Public Concerns: Council Comments: Executive Session: To discuss personnel issues Other Business: Chief Minium Approval of Side Letter Agreement with Luz Pabon Adjusting Hourly Wage Mr. Brown Approval of Tentative Agreement with AFSCME Council 90 2017-2019 Adjournment: December 5, 2016 Council Agenda 2  Steelton Council Meeting Minutes December 5, 2016 Present: Jeffrey Wright, President Dave Wion, Solicitor Michael Albert Justin Medinsky, Engineer Keontay Hodge Douglas Brown, Borough Manager Kelly Kratzer Chief Anthony Minium, Police Chief Michael Segina Amrinder Singh, Codes Officer Thommie Leggett-Robinson, Exec. Asst. Absent for Cause: Maria Marcinko, Vice President Brian Proctor, President Pro Tem Thomas Acri, Mayor Chief Eugene Vance, Fire Chief Call Meeting to Order: President Jeffrey Wright called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m. Pledge of Allegiance and Moment of Silence: The Pledge of Allegiance and Moment of Silence was led by President Wright Executive Sessions between meetings: There was no Executive Session between meetings. Approval of minutes from previous meeting: The minutes of the November 21, 2016 Council Meeting were presented. Ms. Hodge asked to speak on the minutes. She stated that under Unfinished Business Ms. Marcinko reported that there was a vacancy of the Steelton Community Foundation Board. That statement is, however, it was not unfinished business because the Foundation had not presented the vacancy to Council. Mrs. Marcinko also stated that she also would like to be informed about things, personally, before they happen, rather than getting information from Facebook. Ms. Hodge stated that she, also, would like to be personally informed before things happen. For example, she did not know that the vacancy had been filled, neither did she know about the person that was appointed. Mr. Hodge stated that she did not even receive a courtesy call. Ms. Hodge stated that she would appreciate professional courtesy, just as Ms. Marcinko. Ms. Hodge stated that Ms. Marcinko, as a senior member of the Council, and should have known to consult Ms. Hodge regarding the proposal she intended to make. Ms. Hodge stated that she accepts the action taken by Council to appoint this person since Council has the right to make appointments further, although the Council might not regard her as a Steeltonian, persons in the community have accepted her since she was elected a member of the Council, and she would appreciate being respected as such. President Wright stated that he was displeased that the action was Steelton Borough Council Meeting Minutes – December 5, 2016 1 not discussed with her prior to it being brought before Council because Ms. Hodge is President of the Foundation. He apologized for acting on the motion before ensuring that it had been discussed with the Committee Chair. As a rule, Mr. Wright defers to the Chair of the Committee for decision making. He asked that things be discussed with the Committee Chair before they presented to Council. Ms. Hodge moved and Mr. Albert seconded the motion that the minutes be approved presented. The Council voted unanimously to approve the motion. Public Comment of Agenda items only: There was no comment from the public on agenda items. Presentations: Mr. Mendinsky presented the Monthly Engineer’s Report. He highlighted active projects in his presentation. He reported the following: Fire House Improvement Project – HRG Project # 1337.0469 – The construction on the initial phase of the project has been completed and approved by the inspector. HRG is waiting for close out documentation from the contractor. The design work on phase II has started. This phase incudes the reconstruction of the second floor shower, replacement of five, replacement of ceiling fans, installation of bollards by the gas meter. There have been a few addition things added, however the project remains within the budget as allocated. HRG anticipates advertising for bids in December with construction beginning in January. Ms. Kratzer asked if the problems experienced with phase one were discussed, i.e. leaks. There were some things that were discussed and will be addressed during Phase II, provided they are not the result of the work of the contractor that needs to be corrected. Storm & Sanitary Sewer Inspection & Cleaning Projects – HRG Project #1337.0479 Work continues on the project. The request for payment on this project must be presented to the Dauphin County by December 16, 2016 in order to receive payment from the CBDG – Disaster Relief Grant. The project is not yet complete, however missing the deadline will mean the loss of grant funds. To prevent the loss of funds, HRG is requesting Council approve a projected payment for Contract 2016-01 between $145,000 and $149,000 and the projected payment for Contract 2016-02 between $114,500 and $144,500. Since the project is to submit the Request for Payment by December 19, 2016, the projected cost will be sent to Dauphin County. The final cost will be presented to Council at the December 19, 2016 meeting. Midget Baseball Field CDBG Project – HRH Project # 1337.0485 Demolition of the building started the week of December 5, 2016, but stopped because asbestos was found in the floor. Once asbestos is safely removed from the building, the demolition work will resume. Temporary paving work will be completed, with a scheduled completion date of January 2017. Completion of the entire project is scheduled for Spring 2017. Mulberry Alley & Bessemer St. Sanitary Sewer Project – HRG Project # 1337,0486 Steelton Borough Council Meeting Minutes – December 5, 2016 2  This project is administered by the Steelton Borough Authority. A preliminary scheduled has been received and equipment for the project began December 2, 1026. Excavation for new water main tapping sleeves and valves and new utilities on Fourth Street & Mulberry Alley, including temporary paving should be completed January 2017. Final restoration is projected for Spring 2017. Mohn Street Tot Lot – HRG Project # 1337.0490 The design work is completed and was presented for review and discussion to the NEDC Committee the week of November 17, 2016. Following approval of the design, the project will be placed for bid. The project is being paid for by funds from the Dauphin County Greenway, Trails and Recreation Grant Program. The grant requires the funds be expended by June 30, 2017. Skate Park Project – HRG Project # 1337.0483 HRG and Matt Arment from Arment Concrete met with the Skate Board Committee November 29, 2016 to review preliminary sketches prepared by Mr. Matt Arment. The Arment group is working collaboratively with HRG because they have extensive experience designing Skate Parks. Ms. Kratzer moved and Mr. Albert seconded the motion to approve the report as presented. Council cast a unanimous vote to pass the motion. Communication: Dauphin County Office of County Commissioners wrote to ask citizens to contact their legislators asking them to support the continuation of the Gaming Grant program. It is currently proposed for elimination. The Dauphin County Office of Tax Assessment wrote concerning the property assessment of a property located at 225 N. Front Street (tax parcel #59-015-021) that was remodeled. The assessment for the building was increased from $99,000 to $294,000. The assessment for the land was increased from $251, 4000 to $446,400. Mr. Segina asked what that translates to if revenue to the Borough. President Wright requested Mr. Brown research the answer and present it at the next Council meeting. Dauphin County Tax Assessment Office of Tax Assessment sent a verification of Millage to Steelton Borough for approval. It was determined that Mr. Brown should call the County for clarification regarding the proposal. The current information sent for ratification shows the Borough having a millage rate of 17 for both land and land with building. Mr. Wion stated that he didn’t know if the Council needed to anything other than recognize that Dauphin County sent it. Mr. Brown needs to review the information to ensure that it is correct. Mr. Albert moved and Ms. Hodge seconded the motion that the Borough verify the Millage after Mr. Brown discusses the classification of the Borough. The motion was passed by a unanimous vote. Unfinished Business: There was no unfinished business presented to Council. Steelton Borough Council Meeting Minutes – December 5, 2016 3 New Business: Before the discussion of new business, President Wright requested Mr. Brown provide information about the construction work being completed on Front Street. Mr. Brown explained that with additional grant funding, the company is doing additional slip lining work on the pipes. During the initial phase of the project, it became apparent that there was no more damage to the pipes than anticipated, so the company is placing lining in the pipes to reinforce them. President Wright noted that this project was discussed and approved at an earlier Council meeting. Mr. Brown added that residents in the area will receive at least 48 hour notice that the work will involve them with regards to the bright lights, parking and other issues that they may find temporarily inconvenient. Mr. Wion presented Ordinance 2016-04 establishing the Appropriations for the 2017 Fiscal Year. Mr. Brown stated that the Department heads met to establish their proposed budgets. Their requests were presented to the Finance Committee, which worked with the Department heads, the Secretary/Treasurer and Mr. Brown to develop a balanced budget. The Budget Committee had advertised, open meetings October 5th, 12th and 19th when persons from the community had the opportunity to comment. The Budget was presented to Council for approval to present the budget to the public October 25, 2016. This was done by various public entities beginning October 26, 2016. The budget includes no increase in property taxes, mainly because the Borough experiences less than 15% delinquencies. Occupational taxes and other recurring funds the Borough relies on are based on a historical averages. Also included in income is grant monies obtained for specific projects. On the expense part there were no major expense changes. Included is the cost of one part-time Property Maintenance Officer; two hand-held devices that will interface with the new software and make the Codes Department more efficient. In the Police Department the plan is to promote a part-time Officer to permanent full- time; add one part- time officer and promote an officer to a Sergeant position; purchase a police vehicle to replace #24. In Public Works we have the Share Purchase of a front end loader; installation of a new bed on truck #7; repairing storm sewer; working with HRG to develop a 5 year capital plan, a Front Street Flag Program, a demolition reserve to help with demolition of blighted areas. In addition, the budget included a general 3% salary Represented and non-Represented employees. Mr. Wion requested Council approve the Budget Ordinance as presented. The Sewer Fund is a continuation of what we have been experiences. No real increases were made. $ 1.995,000 budget. Improvements included in the budget are a five year Capital Improvement Plan, installation of safety lighting; new camera for televising sewer lines; jointly funded front end loader. Improvements made in this fiscal year include the purchase of new sewer flushing truck; grant funded sanitary & sewer cleaning project; replacement of sewer lines at Harrisburg & Pine as well as Mulberry Streets & Bessemer Streets and grant funded pump station improvements. Ms. Kratzer moved and Mr. Albert seconded the motion to pass the Ordinance 2016-04 as presented. The Council unanimously voted to approve Steelton Borough Council Meeting Minutes – December 5, 2016 4 Mr. Wion presented an Ordinance to Establish Tax Rates for Steelton Borough. This Ordinance specifies where revenue to meet the budget will be generated. This includes not only funds received from citizens’ taxes, but also grants accepted to fund specific projects in the Borough. Ms. Kratzer moved and Mr. Albert seconded the motion that Ordinance 2106-05 be accepted as presented. The Council voted unanimously to pass the motion. Mr. Wion requested approval of a Resolution designed to provide discounts that encourage residents that pay their taxes on time. By paying the tax on time, the citizen receives a 2% discount if payed with two months of receipt of the bill, within four months to six months, a 5% increase is added. After six months, the increase if 10%. Mr. Segina seconded the motion presented by Ms. Kratzer to accept Resolution 2916-R-42 accepting the structure of tax payments. The motion passed unanimously. Ms. Kratzer presented the Financial Committee’s recommendation that the Council approve the extension of the MS-4-related Services, (Supplement I). These services are mandated by EPA. On September 10, 2012, on behalf of Steelton Borough, HRG filed a General Permit (PAG-13) to the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection. HRG has continued to ensure the Borough is in compliance with the requirements of the permit. The PAG-13 is in effect from March 2013 to March 2018. HRG has continued to provide services related to the Small Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MSG-4) General Permit (PAG-13). HRG finds that it cost more than the contracted amount to help the Borough maintain compliance with the law, therefore, it is requesting additional funds to cover its expenses. It is also requesting the Borough extend the contract to allow them to prepare the next permit application and allow them to continue working to keep the Borough in compliance with the laws. HRG is requesting $29,000.00 supplement to cover Permit Years 2015-2015, 2016-2017 and 2017-2018 when the permit expires. There is a need to file the final draft of the Pollutant Reduction Plan no later than August 1, 2017. The complete application package will be submitted to PADEP by close of business September 2017. Mr. Albert moved and Mr. Segina seconded the motion that Council accept the recommendation of the Finance Committee. The motion passed unanimously. Ms. Kratzer, representing the Finance Committee, recommended that Council approve Zelenkofske-Axelrod LLC to provide auditing services for fiscal year 2016. Mr. Segina wanted to know if the relationship would end this year. Mr. Brown explained that it is for one year and that a new auditor must be appointed each year. Ms. Hodge asked if the project would be out to bid next year. Ms. Kratzer answered yes to both questions. The President suggested that the contract language be for a five year contract with the option to end the contract yearly. Ms. Hodge moved and Mr. Albert seconded the motion that Zelenkofske-Axelrod LLC to perform the audit for the 2016 year. The motion carried unanimously. In accordance with the law that requires an auditor be elected each year, Mr. Wion presented a Resolution to appoint an independent auditor. In this case, the Resolution is specific to hire Zelenkofske Axelrod LLC as the auditor for 2016. Mr. Albert moved and Ms. Kratzer seconded the motion to pass Resolution 2016-R-43 hiring Zelenkofske Axelrod LLC to perform the 2016 audit and accepting the fees requested. The motion received a unanimous vote from Council. Steelton Borough Council Meeting Minutes – December 5, 2016 5 Mr. Brown presented a proposed Calendar for 2017. Mr. Brown stated that before the beginning of each new calendar year, he post the calendar. Holidays are considered when developing the calendar. Mr. Brown is adding a monthly meeting for the Public Works Committee, which had only been meeting on an “as needed” basis. President Wright asked if The Public Works Committee Chair have been advised of proposed meeting time changes. Mr. Brown stated that he had not discussed the change with the Ms. Marcinko, Chair of the Public Works Committee, but will do so. Other portions of the calendar, including the addition to new committees were acceptable. . President Wright requested the calendar be posted on the website. Mr. Brown added that a copy of the calendar is posted on the bulletin board in Borough Hall. Mr. Wion added that legally, the information must be posted and suggested it be posted in the Patriot News. Ms. Hodge moved that the proposed calendar be accepted as presented, provided Ms. Marcinko agrees with the increase in Public Works Committee meetings. Mr. Albert seconded the motion which passed unanimously. Mr. Mendinsky presented the request for approval of estimated final payment be submitted to Dauphin County for payment before the deadline. Mr. Segina requested information regarding the penalty for the company’s failure to complete the contract on time. Mr. Mendinsky stated that the company proposed a partial Liquidation amount of $10,500, however the decision to accept that figure has not been finalized. Mr. Albert moved and Ms. Kratzer seconded a motion that the estimated payment be accepted, with clarification at a later date. The motion passed unanimously. Mr. Wion requested approval of a Resolution to issue a Special Parking Permit to Shawn Dixon. There is a Special Parking Permit already at that location. The Resolution provides for the elimination of the previous permit issued to Sherle Seigle and the establishment of a new one Mr. Dixon. Mr. Albert moved and Mr. Segina seconded the motion that Resolution 2016-R-44 issuing a Special Parking Permit to Shawn Dixon at 409 Reading Street be accepted by Council. The motion passed by a unanimous vote of the Council. Ms. Kratzer requested the Council approve an updated list of persons approved to operate Emergency Vehicles. These persons have received special training in order to meet the requirements. Mr. Albert moved and Mr. Segina seconded the motion to approve the updated list of persons allowed to drive Fire Equipment. The motion was passed unanimously by Council. Police Chief Minium updated the Council on Community Policing Initiatives. The Department has received $3,500 from the Mill to support the Departments’ communication programs, including the purchase of items for the give-away programs. This is the first year that the Police Steelton Department will participate in the Shop of Cops Program which is hosted by Harrisburg PAL and involves all of Dauphin County. Officer Thompson, Mr. Brown and Chief will represent the Borough. On December 11th, thorough the Islamic Society of Greater Harrisburg Sunday School program Chief, Officer Thompson, Detective Elhaj and Detective Shaub will Steelton Borough Council Meeting Minutes – December 5, 2016 6 present a strategic plan for emergency evacuation that ensures that persons know how to exit the building safely and that children are safe in the neighborhood. On December 16, Chief, Detective Shaub and Mr. Brown will conduct a class for the Mosque-at-large. On December 30th a Safe Sitter Class will be held at the Prince of Peace, which has enough space to accommodate the number of persons enrolled in the class. Insurance and Child Abuse Clearances are in place to ensure that all avenues of concern are covered. On January 9th the Department has been asked to host an Internship Brightwood Career Institute for students in the senior year of the Criminal Justice Program. Not only would this provide a firsthand look at police work but it could also be a possibly become a recruiting resource. Chief plans to present the proposal for the Internship to the Police Committee, but wanted the Council to be aware of the possibility of hosting that program. The congregation was assured that Steelton is committed to providing security and support to the Mosque. President Wright asked Mr. Brown and Chief Minium to put something in writing which could be a letter or proclamation of support. The correspondence shall be reviewed and approved by the Solicitor before it is presented to that congregation. November 10th & 11th 2016 the department hosted written examination for four persons seeking promotion for Sergeant Corporal position. It is a difficult test with a high failure rate, but it the test most of the Departments in the area use. One person passed the test and passed on the oral interview which was held November 21, 2016. Following a successful interview, the information was submitted to the Civil Service Board where the list was certified November 28, 2016. Chief recommends the Council promote Lieutenant William Shaub to Detective Sergeant William Shaub effective January 1, 2017. Chief stated that this promotion was very important since there have been no promotions with the Department a long time. Because of Detective Sergeant Shaub’s vacation schedule, he will not be here for the January Council meeting, therefore Chief request that by having the induction ceremony at the next Council meeting which is scheduled for December 19, 2016, the promotion will be in place on the hire date and family, friends and his police officers can be present to provide support. Ms. Hodge moved and Mr. Albert seconded the motion that Detective Shaub be promoted to Detective Sergeant effective January 1, 2017 and that he be sworn in at the December 19th Council meeting. The Council cast a unanimous vote in support of the motion. President Wright as that a thank-you letter from the Borough be sent to the Mill for the donation. Chief Minium stated the Islamic Society of Greater Harrisburg requested a statement regarding the Department’s goals in providing security to that congregation. Chief suggested that something be sent from the Borough as well to show solidarity. Mr. Brown stated that he would work jointly with Chief to develop an appropriate statement. While the Council was in agreement that something be sent from the Borough, President Wright instructed that whatever is prepared be approved by our Solicitors. Public Comments: Victor Romaine, pastor of the Mennonite Church located at 501 North Third Street. Pastor Romaine came before the Council to discuss the congregation’s concerns about the proposed Steelton Borough Council Meeting Minutes – December 5, 2016 7 Skate Park. The first concern is regarding parking. He stated that there are only 12 parking spots at Municipal Park. Are there plans to add more parking? Persons could conclude that it is alright to park in the church’s parking spaces and that would interfere with church programs. The congregation’s second concern was about the possibility of loitering and trash, which would reduce the congregation’s sense of security and cause additional work to patrol that area for trash. Pastor Romaine expressed a support for providing more activities for youth, however a project of this magnitude should have been presented to persons in the neighborhood for input. Mr. Brown explained that the parking and other issues are being addressed by the Skate Park Committee which meets the first Thursday of the month in Borough Council Chambers. Pastor Romaine and members of the congregation were invited to attend the public meetings. The Committee is working with the Police Department, persons and organizations which have experience working with skate parks to ensure that all areas of concern are considered and addressed. Mr. Segina, who is a member of the committee, stated that the committee hopes to organize an Adopt-a-Park program in which volunteers would have keep the area clean. . Ms. Hodge stated that the Borough is working on a Community Policing Program, and with more involvement with the youth, hopefully they will feel that someone is interested in what they say and that they are heard. Chief Minium stated that the Police Department is developing plans on how they can be most effective in working with the persons who use the Skate Park. He announced that there will be a Skating Policeman, a person who likes the sport and who will be an active participant in the program. Ms. Virginia Supan – 2604 South Fourth Street – commended the Council for not raising taxes. Ms. Cheryl Powell – 321 Lebanon asked about the Council’s efforts to establish a better relationship with the Steelton-Highspire School that was discussed in a previous meeting. Ms. Hodge explained that the Foundation is working with the School Board to establish a relationship. Ms. Hodge and School Board Member Natasha Wright are collaborating to build those ties. Because of the previous experience with the breakdown of communication, easing into a trusting relationship would most likely facilitate a trusting relationship that would allow the Borough and the School Board to work together when they agree as well as when they disagree. Ms. Hodge, Ms. Wright and School Superintendent the Travis Waters all work on the Blue Ribbon Committee, so are establishing a relationship through their involvement with that Committee. Ms. Hodge also noted that the Foundation is working to get organized and lay out plans and strategies, so are not ready to share all the things being done in the community. Mr. Emmuel Powell & Ms. Cheryl Powell– 321 Lebanon Street spoke on the same issue in tandem – Mr. Powell stated during the last Council Meeting there was a request to hold a public meeting to discuss the Skate Park. He wanted to know if the meeting date had been established. He stated that he is hearing rumors about the Park, but wanted full, factual information. Council members made the following points:  Information regarding the Skate Park was introduced six months ago, so is not a new project.  The Skate Park idea was initiated in the Neighborhood & Economic Development Committee and presented to Council. The meetings are open to the public. Steelton Borough Council Meeting Minutes – December 5, 2016 8   The information is posted on the Borough website, has been reported in the Patriot News and covered through a television interview.  The Skate Park Committee was approved at the last Council meeting. They have had an informal meeting, but have not had a formal meeting. The meetings are open to the public and are held the first Thursday of the month.  Ms. Hodge was able to clarify that Mr. Powell was asking that public meetings be held before action is taken on projects of this magnitude.  It was reiterated, that all Borough Committee and Council meeting are open to the public where persons from the community can openly discuss their concerns and seek resolution to them. The calendar for those meeting are published.  All programs and projects are approved by the Council. The Council is an elected body, to whom the citizenry gave the authority to make decision regarding things that happen in the Borough.  In response of Mr. Powell’s concern regarding those persons who do not communicate through the use of technology, the Borough Meeting Schedule is posted in Borough Hall and will be included in the next Steelton Newsletter. Council Concerns: Ms. Hodge thanked the citizens for coming to the meeting. She assured the public that the Council is not trying to hide information and would like to hear their concerns. She thanked Ms. Supan for her complement to the Council since such positive statements are seldom heard from the public. Ms. Hodge encouraged persons to attend the dinner, sponsored by the Steelton Foundation. The dinner scheduled for December 17, 2016 at 5:00 p.m. and will be held at the IW Abel Hall on Gibson Street. The dinner is free to the public, but persons must register in order to attend. Registration by be done in person by completing the form at Steelton Borough Hall (the registration form can be downloaded at www.steeltonpa.com) or by telephone. Ms. Segina stated that the Skate Park Committee is in the process of reviewing design concepts and working on rules and regulations. He invited the public to attend the meetings, including the one scheduled December 12, 2016 after the Water Authority Meeting. Ms. Kratzer thanked persons for their participation in the Kids Craft Night. She encouraged persons to attend the Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony scheduled to begin at 6:30, December 6, 2016 at Borough Hall. Inclement weather, the Ceremony will move to the Fire House. There will be lots of goodies, prizes for the first 150 persons at the Ceremony, Mr. & Mrs. Claus and entertainment including the High School band. All are invited to attend this free event. Mr. Singh stated progress has been made on the process for approving the Medical Marijuana Zoning Amendment Ordinance. It was presented to the County Planning Commission earlier today. The Zoning Amendment Ordinance will also be presented to the Borough Commission on December 7, 2016. Mr. Singh also discussed the tragedy that occurred in Oakland, CA. He stated that he would like to take this opportunity to speak about the tragedy that recently happened on Friday Steelton Borough Council Meeting Minutes – December 5, 2016 9 December 2nd. Although this horrific fire didn’t happen in our borough or area, this unfortunately can happen in any borough, town, or city across the nation. The property where the fire occurred was a warehouse, but it was also being used for housing and also as a makeshift party place/dance club. According to several news sources the building was only to be used as a warehouse since no permits, inspections, or certificate of occupancy was issued for the housing/club at this property. If the owner and/or tenant of this property had applied for the necessary permits and had the necessary inspections completed and passed, a certificate of occupancy would have been issued. That means that all of the construction related work done at the building was done properly and to code and that the uses the building owner/tenant would like to use the building for is approved and deemed safe to occupy/use. A property owner’s responsibility doesn’t end as soon as they have a signed lease, or just on the first of the month when its time to collect the rent check, they must make sure that they as the property owner and their tenants are always in compliance with all local and state building codes, rental inspection ordinances, zoning, etc. Since January of this year, when the new Codes officer was hired, Mr. Singh has worked with some good commercial property owners and tenants that understand why the Borough requires them to apply for permits and submit drawings and plans and have inspections. Unfortunately there are some owners/tenants that do not seem to understand why they must follow these processes and state compliance with the codes is unnecessary red tape. When an individual or corporation decide they want to be in the real estate business, regardless if they own 1 property or 100 properties they are responsible for that building including making sure that the building and property is in compliance with all local and state laws and regulations. Similarly regardless if you as the tenant of a commercial building are a small business owner with no employees who plans to use a small space to have a professional services office, retail store, barber/hair salon shop, restaurant, etc. or a big one with many employees and space, you must comply with local and state ordinances and regulations, in this case the Pennsylvania Construction Code Act, commonly referred to as the PA Uniform Construction Code. The codes office will continue to educate and work with all property owners and tenants and help navigate through the process and will continue to issue stop work order’s and notice to show cause/vacate orders along with condemnation notices when the Codes Officer sees non-compliance with the uniform construction code happening in the borough. This is necessary to make sure that the persons living, working, and visiting buildings are safe. The codes office is here to work for the constituents of the borough, so if you feel that a building is unsafe or that something doesn’t seem right, please feel free to give the Codes Office a call so that it can investigate”. Mr. Wion informed the group that the December 19, 2016 the Council Meeting will adjourn to accommodate a 6:45pm public hearing on the Medical Marijuana Ordinance. Mr. Brown stated that there are lot of good things happening in the Borough. Work has begun, informally, to establish a relationship with the School Board. He thanked everyone for the continued support as Borough staff they try to help things move forward. President Wright stated that he has served on the Steelton Borough Council for 20 years, so has a lot of experience working various Presidents of Council and Council Members. Because of his Steelton Borough Council Meeting Minutes – December 5, 2016 10 experience, when he was elected President, he determined that he would not micro-manage the Boards or their work. He has purposely allowed the Committee Chairs to handle their responsibilities by placing the recommendations of their committees to Council. He stated that the Council is a legislative body charged with the responsibility of making legislative decisions. He stated that in the past, there have been circumstances when it was necessary for the Council to resend their decisions. President Wright encouraged greater participation by the citizens. Mr. Emmuel Powell asked if public places, stores, restaurants, etc. must have a restroom. Mr. Singh responded that there was no sure answer to that question. At some point, unlike now, where the uniform inspection codes restrooms were not required and some businesses have been “grandfathered” in on those issues. Executive Session: President Wright called the Council into Executive Session to discuss personnel issues at 8:02p.m. Council Meeting resumed at 8:22 p.m. Ms. Hodge moved that Council accept the tentative ASCME contract agreement. The agreement must contain the provision to include the reduction of call time from 3 hours to 2 hours and the reduction of contract time from 4 years to 3 years. Mr. Segina seconded the motion that was passed by unanimous vote. Mr. Segina moved and Ms. Hodge seconded the motion that Council approve a side agreement to increase Ms. Luz Padon’s salary, effective January 1, 2017, pending acceptance by the ASCME. The vote passed unanimously. Adjournment: President Wright called for a motion to adjourn the meeting. Mr. Segina moved and Mr. Albert seconded the motion that the Steelton Borough Council meeting held December 5, 2016 be adjourned at 8:26 p.m. The motion carried by a unanimous vote of Council Steelton Borough Council Meeting Minutes – December 5, 2016 11