City Council

Steelton Borough Council Agenda FINAL July 17, 2017 Call Meeting to Order: President Jeffrey Wright Pledge of Allegiance: President Jeffrey Wright Moment of Silence: Mayor Maria Marcinko Executive Sessions between meetings: None Approval of Minutes from previous meeting: June 19, 2017 Public Comment on Agenda Items only: Approval of schedule of billing, requisitions, and change orders as presented for: June 2017 Approval of Department Reports: Fire Department and Ambulance (Written Report) Police Department (Written Report) NEDC Committee (Written Report) Public Works (Written Report) Codes Department (Written Report) Mayor’s Report (Oral Report) Borough Manager’s Report (Oral Report) Presentations: Ms. Ashley Shiwarski Utility Service Partners, Inc. Justin Mendinsky Monthly Engineer’s Report Communication: Douglas Brown Letter to Dauphin County DCED Authorizing Release of $11,102.57 for School to Table Greenhouse Project TRC Environmental Corporation Executive Summary-Phase I Environmental Site Assessment Program PBAPS Nuclear Power Plant Exercise Observer Report 1 Doug Brown Letter to Zelenkofske Axelrod, LLC Regarding Audit Doug Brown Feb 21-22, 2017 Filter Plant Performance Evaluation Andrew Mahalchick Request for County Sponsorship of Local Share Municipal Grant Application Todd Meledin Interest in Codes Appeal Committee Unfinished Business: Mr. Mendinsky Award of Bid for Washington Street Sanitary and Storm Sewer Rehabilitation Project Mr. Proctor NEDC Recommendation to Adopt Steelton Borough Adopt-A-Park Program Guidelines Mr. Proctor NEDC Recommendation to Approve Flag Sponsorship Program Mr. Proctor Approval of Extension of Codes Reciprocity Agreement with Highspire Borough New Business: Mr. Mendinsky Request for Approval of Application for Payment #1 – Final for Tot Lot Project - $48,254.00 Mr. Mendinsky Request for Approval of Application for Payment #2 – Final for Firehouse Improvements Project - $10.421.68 Mr. Proctor NEDC Recommendation to Approve Co-sponsorship of PA Literacy Council Gaming Grant Mr. Proctor NEDC Recommendation to Approve Steelton Borough to Apply for Gaming Grant to Pay for Portion of Skate Park Loan Mr. Singh Recommendation from Steelton Planning Commission to Approve 2  Subdivision Plan of Tecumseh and Approval of Corresponding Mr. Wright Resolution 2017-R __Appointment Filling Vacancy on Borough Council for the Unexpired Term of Maria Marcinko Mr. Wright Approval of Resolution 2017-R-__ Renaming Adams Street as Frank Brown Boulevard. Mr. Wright Reorganization of Council Mr. Brown Request to Close Second Street for Back-to-School Block Party on August 19th from 10 am to 8 pm Mr. Brown Request for Sponsorship of Local Share Grant from YMCA Mr. Brown Approval of Joshua Sherrid for Municipal Emergency Management Coordinator Mr. Wion Approval of Ordinance 2017-__ Amend Code to Establish Additional and Eliminate Special Purpose Parking Public Comments: Council Concerns: Executive Session: to Discuss Personnel Matters Adjournment: 3  Steelton Council Meeting Minutes July 17, 2017 Present: Jeffrey Wright, President Maria Marcinko, Mayor Brian Proctor, President Pro-Tem Dave Wion, Solicitor Michael Albert Justin Mendinsky, Engineer Keontay Hodge Amrinder Singh, Codes Officer Kelly Kratzer Eugene Vance, Fire Chief Michael Segina Thommie Leggett-Robinson, Exec. Asst. Absent with cause: Douglas Brown – Borough Manager Anthony Minium, Police Chief Call Meeting to Order: President Jeffrey Wright called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m. Pledge of Allegiance: The Pledge of Allegiance was led by President Jeffrey Wright Moment of Silence: Mayor Marcinko led the body in a moment of silence. Executive Sessions between meetings: There was no Executive Meeting between meetings. Approval of minutes from the June 19, 2017 meeting. Mr. Wion indicated that on page 8, there was an error in name. Instead of Chief Wion, the sentence should read Chief Minium. There were no other corrections to the minutes. Mr. Proctor moved and Ms. Hodge seconded the motion that the minutes be approved with the corrections noted by Solicitor Wion. The motion passed by a unanimous vote of Council. Public Comment of Agenda items only: There was no comment from the public on agenda items. Approval of schedule of billing requisitions, and change orders as presented for: June 2017 Council reviewed the schedule of billing requisition, and change orders for June 2017. Mr. Albert moved and Mr. Hodge seconded a motion to accept the schedule as presented. The motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council. Approval of Department Reports: Fire Department and Ambulance (Written Report) Mr. Segina added a reminder that the Fire Department is sponsoring a Chicken BBQ Saturday from 11am until. Steelton Borough Council Meeting Minutes 7/17/2017 1 Police Department: (Written Report) Mayor Marcinko added that the last Fun Nights in the Park with the Police has been scheduled for this evening at the Mohn Street Park. The Department is in the process of planning for the National Night Out, there are issues with the Ford Explorers used by the Department and there is a possibility that there is an issue with carbon dioxide leaks from the computers installed in the police cars. Chief Minium is working to resolve those issues. Public Works (Written Report) Codes Department (Written Report) Codes Officer Singh highlighted items in his written report. He brought attention to the Codes Department working with the NEDC Committee and Mr. Wion to revise and update current Borough Codes. He encouraged the public to attend the meeting so that they can hear and have input in the revisions. Mr. Singh’s stated that his goal is to have the revisions completed by the end of the year so that 2018 starts with the updated codes book. He presented a Mid-Year Report contrasting the work completed by the department in the past six months with those completed within the same time period in 2016. He stated that: • 54 work permits were issued vs. 43 in 2016 • 3 stop work orders was issued vs 0 in 2016 • 112 citations were issued vs 201 • 165 court hearings were attended vs 84 in 2016 • 570 rental inspections were conducted vs 347 in 2016 • 1,849 violations were found during rental inspections vs 1,509 in 2016 • 97 rental properties were in compliance vs 72 in 2016 • 2,269 properties were inspected for Quality of Life issues vs 1,398 in 2016 • 1,217 properties received warnings vs 584 in 2016 • 274 Quick Tickets were issued vs 149 in 2016 • 1,053 properties received Notices of Violations with 4,102 violations found vs 130 Notices of Violations with 640 violations found in 2016 • 7 properties were condemned (most for fire damage) vs 3 in 2016 • $39,651.00 received in revenue vs $31,171.45 in 2016 Mayor’s Report: (Oral Report) Mayor Marcinko made several points during her first report. The first was that she wants to be a cheerleader for the Borough and she will do so by keeping her pulse on the community. She has found that there are many persons in the community that want to be a part of the solution and are willing to work to make things happen. She plans to use social media and “ME” talks to get information from the citizens and feed that information back to the Council for their knowledge and action. She is looking for ways to broadcast things that are happening in the Borough. One of her projects will be to find ways to identify persons moving into the Borough and develop an information/ resource Welcome Packet to give to them. She will renew the issuance of Proclamations to businesses and persons in the community. The Mayor plans to publish an article in the Steelton Newsletter and follow-up with the appropriate Department heads on complaints brought to her attention. Mayor Marcinko also stated Steelton Borough Council Meeting Minutes 7/17/2017 2  that she had a personnel issue she wanted to discuss with Council and requested an Executive Session in order to hold that discussion. Borough Manager’s Report: (Oral Report) In the absence of Mr. Brown, no Borough Manager’s Report was presented. NEDC Committee (Written Report) Mr. Proctor stated that the issues from the Committee were already listed on the agenda and he would address recommendations from the Committee at that time. Mr. Albert moved and Mr. Proctor seconded the motion that the Department reports be accepted as presented. Ms. Hodge had a question regarding the Mayor’s request for an Executive Session. Since Executive Session to discuss personnel matters is already listed on the agenda, there is no reason to take further action. The motion which passed by a unanimous vote of the Council. Presentations: Ms. Ashley Shiwarski presented information from the National League of Cities who supports a Service Line Warranty Program that is administered by Utility Service Partners, Inc. The Utility Service Partners, Inc. office is located in Pittsburg, PA. The program is designed to assist property owners with three issues: sewer line problems outside the home, water line problems outside the home and in-home plumbing problems. The company sees the program as a way to raise awareness of property owners that they are responsible for the repair of a portion of the water and sewer lines located outside their home as well as offer peace of mind that the cost for such repairs has been covered by the program should they decide to participate. The Service Line Warranty Program provides a list of plumbers in the areas that they have been investigated and found to be reputable. The service provides up to $8,000.00 for outside repairs and up to $3,000.00 for in-home repairs. The program requires that the Borough partner with Utility Service Partners, Inc. to make this program available to citizens of the Borough. The Borough would be required to send letters to residents stating that it supports the use of the program. This will be done in exchange for the Borough receiving $.50 per month per service. Ms. Hodge asked if persons signed up for the service and found that they could not pay for it, could they be reinstated in the program. Ms. Shiwarski responded that the person could be reinstated once the bill was paid in full. Mayor Marcinko asked if preventive services were offered or if the program can be used only if there is a problem. The response was that the program would be in effect only in case of a service need. Mayor Marcinko asked is the service covered the cost of digging up and replacing concrete. The response was that the program covers up to $8,000.00 for outdoor repairs. Both Ms. Kratzer and the Mayor remarked that the program was reasonably priced. President Wright referred the program for review and recommendation from the NEDC Committee. He also stated that if the Committee was in agreement with the Borough sponsoring the program that the Committee and Mr. Wion work together to prepare an agreement. Ms. Shiwarski stated that an agreement was included in the packet she provided to Mr. Brown. President Wright stated that Council and the Solicitor need to review the agreement. Steelton Borough Council Meeting Minutes 7/17/2017 3 The Engineer’s Report: Mr. Justin Medinsky of Herbert, Rowland & Grubic, Inc., presented the Engineer’s Report submitted July 13, 2017. Mr. Mendinsky reported:  Phase II of the Fire House Improvement Project has been completed. The contractor, East Coast Contracting, has requested and HRG recommends that the Borough authorize final payment.  Midget Baseball Field CDBG Project – Manager Brown and Mr. Wion have reviewed correspondence received from the Contractor’s Surety and the U.S. Department of Labor regarding withholding of any further payment to Steele City Contracting. A summary of liquidation damages has been compiled for a potential claim against the Surety by the Borough. Mr. Proctor asked how much money will be withheld and when the Borough will be able to accept bids to repair the things that need to be completed. Mr. Mendinsky stated that there was $12,300.00 in the reserve. He cannot answer the question about the Borough receiving money. The Borough has had to have the mound reworked and the diamond text have been replaced. Request for payment have been made to the Borough for payment for those services completed by other providers.  Mulberry Alley and Bessemer Street Infrastructure Improvement Project is substantially completed. They are in the process of preparing the final Change Orders and Applications for Payment that are required in order to close the contract.  Adams Street Townhome Project – The Zoning Board approved the Variance and Special Exception requested. HRG is currently working on resolving the problem with the current grading plan and the previously installed retaining wall. The problem is substantial and has required consultation with a geotechnical engineer to help find resolution. Manager Brown is to discuss the problems with the project developer.  Mohn Street Tot Lot Project has been completed. The HRG has proposed that the final approval, recommendation for final payment and closing the contract will be discussed later in the meeting. Mr. Proctor asked if the extra mulch left at the project was for settling. President Wright stated that he had spoken to Manager Brown regarding the mulch and Mr. Brown said that the mulch will be used for settlement and fill-in.  Skate Park Project – is moving along smoothly. The concrete pour for Quadrant I has been completed and reinforcements for the pouring of Quadrant II is also completed. The timeline for completion of the project is attached to the engineer’s report. Armet Concrete, LLC has requested and extension of time for completion of the project. Manager Brown has approved the extension, since it will not conflict with the timeframes set out by the grants being used for the project. Ms. Hodge asked if the extended time will add to the cost of the project. Mr. Mendinsky stated that no increase of fees will occur, in fact, there may be a lowering of cost to the Borough.  The Washington Street Sewer Rehabilitation Project the bid process has been completed and a request for approval of the lowest bidder is on the agenda. The project is funded by grant monies.  5-Year Capital Improvements Plan – A meeting with Manager Brown and the Public Works staff to discuss the recommendations is scheduled for August 3, 2017. (Items included in the written report, but not the oral report.)  2016 Sewer Rate Study – The development of the 5-Year Capital Improvements Plan will greatly influence the completion of the Sewer Rate Study. The cost information and proposed project Steelton Borough Council Meeting Minutes 7/17/2017 4  schedules in the Capital Improvements Plan will be used to further determine modifications to the Borough’s current rate structure.  Storm Management Program (MS4 Program) – Work is continuing on this year’s permit activities and the Pollution Reduction Plan which is due in September. President Wright called for a motion to approve the Engineer’s Report. Mr. Albert moved and Ms. Hodge seconded the motion to approve the Engineer’s Report. The motion was approved by a unanimous vote of Council. Communications: Douglas Brown wrote a letter on behalf of the Borough to Dauphin County DCED Authorizing Release of $11,102.57 for School-to-Table Greenhouse Project. TRC Environmental Corporation provided the Executive Summary for Phase I of the Environmental Site Assessment Program. The Peach Bottom Atomic Power Station sent a report of the Three Mile Island Nuclear Power Plant Exercise Observer Report. Mr. Segina used this time to thank members of the Fire Department and other volunteers that participated in the drill. Douglas Brown, on behalf of the Borough, wrote a letter to the Borough Auditors, Zelenkofske Axelrod, LLC regarding the additional audit they performed as required by the Federal Government. The Bureau of Safe Drinking Water from the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection sent a copy of the February 21-22, 2017 Filter Plant Performance Evaluation. Mr. Andrew Mahalchick, Chairman of the Steelton Volunteer Fire Department Board of Directors, provided a copy of his letter to the Dauphin County Gaming Advisory Board asking the Dauphin County Board of Commissioners to sponsor the Local Share Municipal Grant Application they will file to help pay for a new Fire Engine/Rescue Truck. Mr. Todd Meledin submitted a letter indicating his interest in serving on the Codes Appeal Committee. Unfinished Business: Mr. Mendinsky requested that the Council award the contract for completion of the Washington Street Sanitary and Storm Sewer Rehabilitation Project to the DeTraglia Excavating Company. The company placed the lowest bid for the Project. Mr. Segina questioned the feasibility of the low bid on one line item in the bid. Mr. Mendinsky stated that he thought the figure was reasonable. Mr. Albert moved that the DeTraglia Excavating Company be approved as the contractor for the Washington Street Sanitary and Storm Sewer Project for a sum of $371,453. Mr. Proctor seconded the motion which was passed by a unanimous vote of Council. Mr. Mendinsky reiterated that the funds for the project were in place and consisted of grant monies. Mr. Proctor presented the NEDC recommendation to approve the Steelton Borough Adopt-A-Park Program. He stated that the Committee recommends that only churches and organizations participate in the program. He presented a Steelton Borough Adopt-A-Park Program Booklet to Council. After review, Mr. Albert moved and Ms. Hodge seconded the motion that the Council approve the Adopt-A-Park Program as presented by the NEDC. The motion passed by a unanimous vote of Council. Steelton Borough Council Meeting Minutes 7/17/2017 5 Mr. Proctor presented the NEDC recommendation to approve a Flag Sponsorship Program. With this program, the Borough will make 50 banners available for purchase by local businesses, organizations, families and individuals. The banners would be the same ones that hang on Front Street with the name of the purchaser added at the bottom of the flag. The banner cost $250.00 and is 100% tax deductible. An information sheet and Sponsor Form were presented to Council for review and comment. There was some discussion about the use of the profit from the banner sales. That will be resolved at a later date. Ms. Kratzer moved and Mr. Segina seconded the motion that the Flag Sponsorship Program be approved. The motion passed by a unanimous vote of Council. Mr. Proctor asked that Council approve the Extension of Codes Reciprocity Agreement with Highspire Borough. The agreement would allow Mr. Singh to provide Codes support to Highspire in case no Codes Officer from the Highspire is available. In situations such as their officer is on vacation, ill, etc. and there is a need for his services. Council was provided a copy of the agreement prepared by Highspire Borough for review. Mr. Wion stated that no action was needed by Council on this issue. He further reminded Council that Steelton had such an agreement with Highspire in the past and it was used at a time that the Borough had no Codes Officer. Ms. Hodge moved that Council accept the agreement between the Borough of Highspire and Mr. Singh. Mr. Albert seconded the motion which was passed by a unanimous vote of the Council. New Business: Mr. Mendinsky requested the Council approve Arment Concrete’s request for payment #1, which is the final payment for the work completed on the Tot Lot Project. The payment requested is for $48,254.00. Mr. Proctor moved and Ms. Kratzer seconded the motion that the request for payment be approved. The motion passed by a unanimous vote of Council. Mr. Mendinsky requested that Council approve the second and final request for payment from East Coast Contracting for completion of the Fire House Construction, Phase II in the amount of $10.421.68. Mr. Albert moved and Ms. Hodge seconded the motion that the East Coast Contracting’s request for final payment be approved. The Council approved the motion by a unanimous vote. Mr. Proctor presented a letter from Mr. Jamein Harvey, Executive Director of the Camp Curtin YMCA, asking the Borough to co-sponsor their application for a Dauphin County Gaming Grant. Ms. Hodge moved and Mr. Albert seconded the motion that the request for co-sponsorship be honored. The Council responded by a unanimous vote of support. Mr. Proctor presented the NEDC recommendation that Council approve co-sponsorship of PA Literacy Council Gaming Grant. A copy of the Grant Application was distributed to Council for their review. Mr. Proctor moved and Ms. Hodge seconded the motion to support the request for co-sponsorship. The motion passed by a unanimous vote of Council. Mr. Proctor presented a NEDC recommendation that Council approve the Steelton Borough Application for Gaming Grant to pay for a portion of Skate Park Loan. The request is for $ 80,000.00 Mr. Segina moved and Ms. Hodge seconded the motion that the request to apply for Gaming Grand funding for the Skate Park be Steelton Borough Council Meeting Minutes 7/17/2017 6 approved. The motion passed by a unanimous vote of Council. Mr. Singh presented information from the Steelton Planning Commission regarding a request by Tecumseh to subdivide a parcel of land that they own into two sections. The total parcel of land is 61 acres. They are requesting the land be broken down to a 48 acre parcel and a 13 acre parcel. The land covers both residential and industrial zoning. At this point, there is no request to use the land for any specific purpose. They are only requesting the land be divided into two parcels. Mr. Wion added that this is not an unusual request because they are requesting both the preliminary and final approval at the same time, which could only be done by a waiver of Code 99-12. He further stated that there was no problem with the covenant for the land or with easement between properties. If the easement beyond the properties is necessary, it will be handled at the time of need. Mr. Tom Diley, Consulting Engineer for Keystone, the Engineers was present for the meeting. Ms. Hodge asked him if the property was to be used for something other than industrial use if a zoning change would be required. Mr. Diley responded in the affirmative. It is noted that the engineers from HRG were consulted and they are in agreement that there should be no problem with the division. Mr. Albert moved and Mr. Proctor seconded the motion that the wavier to allow both preliminary and final approval of the land division be approved. The motion passed by a unanimous vote of Council. Mr. Albert moved and Mr. Proctor seconded the motion that Resolution 2017-R-24, which is the corresponding Resolution be approved. The motion was approved by a unanimous vote of Council. Mr. Wright requested that Council approve the Resolution 2017-R-25 to rename Adams Street to Frank S. Brown Boulevard. Mr. Proctor moved and Mr. Albert seconded the motion that Adams Street from Front to Lebanon Street be renamed Frank S. Brown Boulevard. The motion was passed by a unanimous vote of Council. Mayor Marcinko had questions regarding the timing of the change and the timely notification of persons living on that street so that could properly notify persons of their address change. Mr. Wion began to discuss the possible process. Mr. Proctor stated that the details will be worked out in the NEDC Committee. President Wright introduced the request that Second Street be closed for Back-to-School Block Party on August 19, 2017 from 10 am to 8 pm. Mr. Proctor moved and Mr. Albert seconded the motion that the closure be approved. The motion passed by a unanimous vote of Council. President Wright presented the request to approve Joshua Sherrid to serve as Municipal Emergency Management Coordinator. Ms. Kratzer moved that Mr. Sherrid become the Municipal Emergency Coordinator. Mr. Albert seconded the motion which was passed by a unanimous vote of Council. Mr. Wion presented the request to approve an Ordinance amending the Code to Establish Additional and Eliminate Special Purpose Parking. He reminded Council that twice a year all the Special Purpose Parking changes are memorialized in an ordinance. Mr. Albert moved that Ordinance 2017-4 to Amend Code to Establish Additional and Eliminate Special Purpose Parking be approved. Mr. Proctor seconded the motion which passed by unanimous vote of Council. Mr. Wright presented the Reorganization of Council Committees. As President of the Council, he has the authority to place persons on committees. He discussed the positions with each Council member before assigning persons to the committees. The Committees and members are: Steelton Borough Council Meeting Minutes 7/17/2017 7 Neighborhood & Economic Development Committee Finance Committee Brian Proctor, Chair Kelly Kratzer, Chair Michael Segina, Vice Chair President Jeffrey Wright, Vice Chair Keontay Hodge Brian Proctor Mayor Maria Marcinko Douglas Brown, Borough Manager Douglas Brown, Borough Manager Fire, Ambulance FMA Personnel Committee Mayor Maria Marcinko, Chair President Jeffrey Wright, Chair Kelly Kratzer, Vice Chair Brian Proctor, Vice Chair Michael Segina Keontay Hodge Ryan Maxwell Mayor Maria Marcinko Douglas Brown, Borough Manager Douglas Brown, Borough Manager Police Issues and Negotiating Committee Arcelor Mittal Committee Mayor Maria Marcinko, Chair Mayor Maria Marcinko, Chair Kelly Kratzer, Vice Chair Michael Segina, Vice Chair Michael Segina Ryan Maxwell Keontay Hodge Vacancy Douglas Brown, Borough Manager Douglas Brown, Borough Manager Public Works Committee Flood Plain Maintenance Insurance Keontay Hodge, Chair & Flood Insurance Committee Brian Proctor, Vice Chair Kelly Kratzer, Chair Ryan Maxwell Keontay Hodge, Vice Chair Mayor Maria Marcinko Ryan Maxwell Douglas Brown, Borough Manager David Wion, Solicitor Amrinder Singh, Codes/Zoning Officer Douglas Brown, Borough Manager Water Authority Alan Ausman, Chair Michael Segina, Vice Chair Kathy Handley Ryan Maxwell Thomas Acri Douglas Brown, Borough Manager President Wright explained that the Borough Manager is a member of every committee and is required to attend each meeting. Further, he explained that the Mayor is the Mayor and is free to attend the meetings of those committees that she where she is not a specified member. Ms. Hodge moved and Ms. Kratzer seconded that Council accept revision of Committee Members as presented by the Council President. The motion passed by unanimous vote of Council. Mr. Wright called for nominations to fill the Borough Council Seat vacated by Mayor Maria Marcinko. Ms. Kratzer nominated Ms. Ryan Maxwell. There were no other nominations. President Wright called for a roll call Steelton Borough Council Meeting Minutes 7/17/2017 8 vote. Mr. Albert – yes; Ms. Hodge – yes; Mr. Proctor – yes; Mr. Wright – yes; Mr. Segina – yes; Ms. Kratzer – yes. Ms. Ryan Maxwell was unanimously voted to fill the vacant Council Seat which expires January, 2018 as reflected in Resolution 2017-R-26 Appointment Filling Vacancy on Borough Council for the Unexpired Term of Maria Marcinko. Ms. Maxwell signed a notarized Affidavit stating that she is a legal resident of Steelton Borough. Solicitor Wion explained to those in attendance that, in accordance with the law, Ms. Maxwell had to sign an notarized affidavit swearing that she had been a resident of the Borough of Steelton for at least a year. Following the signing of the Affidavit, Ms. Maxwell was sworn in as a Council Member by Mayor Maria Marcinko. Mr. Maxwell held the Bible for his wife’s swearing in. Ms. Maxwell was welcomed by a applause and a standing ovation by the Council and Borough staff, she moved into her new Council seat and received a Council Packet. Mr. Wright called for nominations for the Vice President seat vacated by Mayor Marcinko. Mr. Segina nominated Mr. Proctor. There were no other nominations. Mr. Proctor abstained from voting. President Wright called for a voice vote. Mr. Albert – yes; Ms. Hodge – yes; Mr. Wright – yes; Ms. Maxwell – yes; Mr. Segina – yes; Ms. Kratzer – yes. Mr. Proctor was named Vice President of the Steelton Borough Council until the 2018 re-organization of the Council. Mr. Wright called for nominations for President Pro Tem position vacated by Mr. Proctor. Mr. Proctor nominated Mr. Segina. There were no other nominations. Mr. Segina abstained from voting. President Wright called for a voice vote. Ms. Kratzer – yes; Ms. Maxwell – yes; Mr. Wright – yes; Mr. Proctor – yes; Ms. Hodge – yes; Mr. Albert – yes. Mr. Segina was voted President Pro Tem of the Steelton Borough Council until the re- organization of Council in 2018. Public Comments: Dennis Heffner, 337 Swatara Street – Mr. Heffner reported concern about youth throwing rocks, bottles, eggs, and shooting BB’s over the wall and in the general area. One house in the area was egged, and BB’s have been shot through windows. Mr. Heffner blamed the problem on persons residing in rental property. Mayor Marcinko responded that the Police Department was aware of the problem and working to help resolve the issues. She also stated that there is no way to predict or control human behavior. Mr. Heffner stated that when Officer Martin patrolled the area there were no problems. He feels that increased police presence will help remedy the problem. Mayor Marcinko stated that Chief Minium had increased patrols, but the increased patrols include the entire Borough. Mr. Proctor stated that if the youth are throwing obstacles over the wall that a fence should be installed on top of the wall. President Wright acknowledged that Mr. Heffner had brought information to the Council and efforts will be made to resolve the issue. Ina Alcendor, 109 Conestoga Street – Ms. Alcendor was concerned about statements made in a newspaper article about the development of Renaissance Row and the institution of the new tax abatement system (LERTA). Ms. Alcendor stated that the way the information was presented in the article, no provisions were made for the creation jobs or use of minority contractors and minimum wages were not guaranteed. The tax abatement in Harrisburg include these provisions in their law. Ms. Hodge pointed out that the development of Renaissance Row and the tax abatement are two different things, and noted that the developer of Renaissance Row is a Black owned business, which will bring jobs to the Borough. She stated that the tax abatement is to encourage property owners to improve their properties and increase the value of the properties and create a more attractive Steelton. Mr. Segina remarked that the article written by Penn Live Steelton Borough Council Meeting Minutes 7/17/2017 9 mixed three programs together and it did not point out the features and/or benefits of each program. He also stated that the tax abatement program adopted by Steelton made things as simple as possible. Adding constraints like those included in the Harrisburg legislation could make it more difficult for individual property owners to meet the minimum requirements. Ms. Alcendor asked if the discussion means that jobs will be available as a result of the new programs. The response was, “yes”. Mayor Marcinko stated that Harrisburg and Steelton are two different entities. The developers in Steelton have agreed to provide jobs for residents first. The whole purpose for the tax abatement is to help cut down with blight and encourage new developments. Emmuel Powell, 321 Lebanon Street – Mr. Powell asked about the Borough’s plans to deal with the property located on Cameron Street near the old Dairy Queen. The property owners dug a trench, then stopped moving forward to the project. Mr. Singh reported that the owner has submitted drawings and is moving forward with plans to complete the project. Once the permit is issued, the property owner has one year to complete the project. If no progress has been made with 180 days following the issuance of the permit, the permit can be revoked. The issue is that any work done on the property, a large amount or negligible amount, is counted as progress. Mr. Powell also expressed concern about the amount of weeds growing and asked if they could be removed by the Department of Public Works. Cheryl Powell, 321 Lebanon Street – Ms. Powell sought to clarify her understanding of the previous conversation. She asked if as long as a person does one thing on the property, that one action counts as taking action on the project. She asked how that condition can be changed. Mr. Singh explained that it is a State law, covered by the Unified Code. No municipality can override State law. It was noted that the same entity owns that property and a property on Pine Street. Some obvious progress is being made at the property on Pine Street that sustained fire damage several years ago. Sharon Thomas 120 Lincoln Street - expressed concern that 2nd and Ridge St. needs to be tidied up the tree resting on the electrical wires needs to be trimmed. Emmuel Powell, 321 Lebanon Street - asked if the Borough could develop its own codes to handle problems with property maintenance. The response was that whatever codes or rules made by the State of Pennsylvania writes must be followed by the Borough. Jeannie Barrett, 349 South Fourth Street, Ms. Barrett congratulated Ms. Marcinko on her new position as Mayor of Steelton. She asked if there was grant money to renovate properties. Mayor Marcinko stated that LERTA is not grant funds but a way to fix up property without costing more taxes immediately. Ms. Barrett also asked how she could obtain a Special Purpose Parking Permit. Mayor Marcinko stated that she needed to contact the Steelton Police Department for assistance with that issue. Council Concerns: Mr. Albert congratulated Ms. Maxwell on her appointment to the Council. Ms. Hodge congratulated Ms. Maxwell, Vice President Proctor and President Pro Tem Segina on their new positions. She thanked the public for coming out and participating in the meeting and encouraged them to continue to come out and express their concerns to the Council where they can get firsthand information Steelton Borough Council Meeting Minutes 7/17/2017 10 regarding action being taken by the Council. She stated that perhaps a format like a Town Hall meeting could be arranged. Ms. Kratzer thanked the public for their participation in the meeting. She congratulated those members of Council who had been appointed to new positions. Ms. Kratzer reminded the group about the Chicken BBQ which will take place at the Fire Station. Ms. Maxwell stated that she was happy to serve on Council and help the Borough move forward to its goals. She thanked members of Council for their warm welcome. Mayor Marcinko congratulated persons on their new appointments. She stated that she knew that Mr. Proctor would be glad to hear that Ted Knorr had contacted her regarding a “Rap” Dixon Tour. Persons have been trying to get Steeltonian James “Rap” Dixon recognized at the Baseball Hall of Fame. Two busloads of Members of the Society for American Baseball Research, Annual Negro League Conference will meet at the Harrisburg Hilton July 27-29, 2017. The group will tour Steelton, looking at Mr. Dixon’s home on Adams Street and his burial plot in Midland Cemetery. The Steelton Police Department is aware of their visit and will be involved. Mr. Proctor and Mayor Marcinko will participate in the festivities. The Mayor also mentioned that she attended the Cottage Hill Fishing Tournament last weekend. The tournament is a 31 year old event and about 100 families participated. The family presented her with $250.00 with no stipulations. Their previous donation was used to reconstruct an area damaged by a storm. The Mayor suggest that Jump Street, which painted the wooden benches at the Dock, use the money to repair the broken benches on the dock. The money was turned over to the Secretary/Treasurer of the Borough. Mr. Wion congratulated Ms. Maxwell and her continued work with the Borough. He also congratulated persons who accepted newly elected positions on the Council. Mr. Singh congratulated Ms. Maxwell on her appointment. He noted that this was another post in Steelton which was filled by a female. He noted that Pennsylvania ranks 49th for having the lowest number of females serving in public office. Steelton is doing well with the first female Mayor, three females on the Council, two on the Authority plus the females who serve on the School Board. Ms. Singh invited the public to attend the NEDC meeting where they are revising the Borough’s codes. The next NEDC meeting will be July 25, 2017. The Zoning Hearing Committee will meet August 17, 2017 to review two new applications. Mr. Segina thanked the public for attending the meeting. He stated that he was looking forward to working with Ms. Maxwell on the Council and knows the work she’s done on the Water Authority. He is looking forward to the fresh, new ideas she will bring to Council. Mr. Segina reminded persons about the Chicken BBQ to be held at the Fire House. Persons looking for tickets can get them at the Fire House or directly from him. He noted that there was a lot of discussion about LERTA at the NEDC meetings. He encouraged the public to come out and participate in committee meetings and let their voices be heard as the committees make decisions which will be brought before Council. There is an opportunity to have input prior to the committee’s presentation to Council rather than after or during its presentation to Council. Mr. Proctor congratulated Ms. Maxwell and Mr. Segina for being selected for their new positions. He thanked the public for coming out to and participating in the meeting. Steelton Borough Council Meeting Minutes 7/17/2017 11 Mr. Wright congratulated persons for their new appointments. He remarked that the Committee appointments are important because they review matters and bring recommendations to the Council for action. He reiterated that he conversed with each Council member that was named as Chair of a committee and has their assurance that they are committed to their Committee and will carry out their duties to the best of their abilities. He also noted that Mr. Albert was not assigned to a committee because he stated that he is often working and could not assure that he would be available for Committee work. Executive Session: Council moved into an executive session to discuss personnel issues at 8:24 p.m. The Council meeting resumed at 8:43 p.m. Ms. Kratzer moved that Council give conditional approval to the Side Agreement recommended by Teamsters Local 776 for Joseph Conjar. Mr. Proctor seconded the motion which passed by unanimous vote of Council. Adjournment: Ms. Maxwell moved that the Steelton Borough Council Meeting be adjourned at 8:45 p.m. Mr. Segina seconded the motion which was passed by a unanimous vote of the Council. Respectfully Submitted, Douglas Brown, Secretary Steelton Borough Council Meeting Minutes 7/17/2017 12