City Council
Regular MeetingSteelton, PA · September 5, 2017
Minutes
Steelton Borough Council Agenda
September 5, 2017
Call Meeting to Order: President Wright
Pledge of Allegiance: President Wright
Moment of Silence: Mayor Maria Marcinko
Executive Sessions between meetings:
Approval of minutes from previous meeting: August 21, 2017
Public Comment of Agenda items only:
Communication:
Tri-County Regional Planning Commission Appointment of Delegate to
Dauphin Southwest Regional
Planning Area Board
Louise A. Foreman Resume Submission for Steelton
Zoning Hearing Board
UGI Energy Services Thank You Letter for Cooperation
During Emergency Situation
Dauphin County Board of Assessments Six Appeal Responses Lowing
Assessments on Properties in the
Borough
Presentation:
Brandon Meyers, HRG Inc. Steelton Borough Notice of Intent to
Renew MS4 Application
Unfinished Business:
Mr. Segina Borough of Steelton Social Media
Policy
Mr. Brown Update on Jr. Councilperson Position
New Business:
Mr. Brown Approval of Request to Use
Firehouse for Halloween Event on
October 23rd
Mr. Brown Approval of Date for Frank S. Brown
Blvd Dedication Ceremony
1
Mr. Brown United Way Groundbreaking on 101
Locust Street on September 8th
Mr. Proctor NEDC Recommendations to Council:
1. Authorization to Purchase
Additional Picnic Tables, Grills for
Skate Park Opening Day
Mr. Brown Approval of Payment Application #4
to Arment Concrete in the Amount
of $36,999.00
Mr. Brown Review of Quotes for Air
Conditioning/Heating System
Ms. Hodge Authorization for President Wright
to Sign Commendation Designating
September as Childhood Cancer
Awareness Month
Public Comments:
Council Concerns:
Executive Session: To Discuss Personnel Issues
Adjournment:
2
Steelton Council Meeting Minutes
September 5, 2017
Present:
Jeffrey Wright, President Dave Wion, Solicitor
Brian Proctor, Vice President Douglas Brown, Borough Manager
Michael Segina, President Pro-Tem Eugene Vance, Fire Chief
Keontay Hodge Amrinder Singh, Codes Officer
Kelly Kratzer Thommie Leggett-Robinson, Exec. Asst.
Ryan Maxwell
Absent with cause: Mayor Maria Marcinko Mike Albert Chief Anthony Minium
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 Wright.
Moment of Silence:
In the absence of the Mayor, President Wright led the body in a moment of silence,
remembering the hurricane survivors, those who lost their lives in the service of their country
and other loved ones.
Executive Sessions between meetings:
There was no Executive Meeting between meetings.
Approval of minutes from the previous meeting: August 21, 2017
Ms. Hodge moved and Mr. Proctor seconded the motion that the minutes be approved with the
following corrections: Mr. Brown had revisions regarding Change Orders for the Skate Park and
date of closing between SEDC and Chariot for the Renaissance Row Project. Ms. Maxwell noted
that Mr. Proctor’s title is incorrect, she was not listed as in attendance, Mr. Albert and Mr.
Proctor left the meeting therefore were not present during votes taken under New Business.
The minutes stating “motion passed by unanimous vote” is inaccurate. Under New Business
two persons did not vote for the grant.
Public Comments on Agenda Items Only:
There were no public comments.
Communication:
Tri-County Regional Planning Commission wrote requesting nominations for the appointment
of a representative of the Borough to sit on the on Dauphin Southwest Regional Planning Area
Board.
Steelton Borough Council Meeting September 5, 2017 1
Louise A. Foreman submitted her resume for consideration for a position on the Steelton
Zoning Hearing Board.
UGI Energy Services sent a Thank You letter for the cooperation of Borough Council members
and staff during the emergency situation.
Dauphin County Board of Assessments sent responses to appeals requesting adjustment to
property assessments. The appeal resulted in the lowing of the assessments of six properties in
the Borough.
Presentation:
Mr. Brandon Meyers, HRG Inc. made reference to the presentation he made at the last Council
Meeting and requested that Council approve the MS4 Application for Renewal of the Steelton
Borough which must be submitted to the Department of Environmental Protection. Ms. Hodge
requested information regarding the frequency of renewal. Mr. Meyers stated that the permit
must be renewed every five years. Mr. Proctor asked for information regarding the $500.00
included with the renewal. Mr. Meyers stated that it is an Administrative fee charged by the
DEP. Ms. Kratzer moved and Mr. Proctor seconded the motion that Council approve the Permit
Renewal package as presented. The motion passed by a unanimous vote of Council. The
President called for a motion approving the payment of $500.00 to DEP for administrative fees.
Mr. Proctor moved and Mr. Segina seconded the motion that the payment be approved. The
motion carried by a unanimous vote of Council.
Unfinished Business:
Mr. Segina stated since the last Council Meeting, he worked with the Solicitor to ensure all legal
bases were covered in the proposed Social Media Policy. He is now presenting it to Council for
approval. President Wight called for a motion. Ms. Kratzer moved and Ms. Maxwell seconded
the motion to adopt Resolution 2017 R-30 which enforces the Social Media Policy as
presented. The motion was passed with five affirmative and one negative vote. Mr. Segina
stated that in addition to approval of the Resolution, Council must select a person (s) to have
access to create and post on the social media sites. Ms. Kratzer moved that Mr. Singh, Mr.
Brown and Mr. Segina serve as Administrators of new Social Media sites. After discussion, Ms.
Kratzer amended her motion to state that persons who can post to the Social Media Sites are
persons in the position of Codes Officer, Police Chief, Fire Chief designee and Borough Manager
with all posts being approved by the Borough Manager prior to them being posted to the sites.
A Webmaster will be appointed (currently Mr. Segina is filling this position) who provides
technical support and posting links to the sites. The Webmaster can only post on the website at
the direction of a Department Head. Mr. Proctor seconded the motion. The motion carried
with a vote of five affirmative and one negative votes.
Mr. Brown presented an update on the Junior Council position. He stated that he conducted
some research provided by Ms. Kratzer. Mr. Brown recommends the project be referred to the
NEDC Committee where guidelines will be developed and be presented at the next Council
Meeting for approval and permission to advertise the availability of the position. Ms. Kratzer
Steelton Borough Council Meeting September 5, 2017 2
moved and Mr. Proctor seconded the motion that accept the Borough Manager’s proposal. The
motion carried by a unanimous vote of Council.
New Business:
Mr. Brown presented a Facilities Request Form from Ms. Paioletti for use of the Firehouse for
the Annual Halloween Event to be held October 23, 2017. Mr. Proctor moved and Ms. Hodge
seconded the motion that the request be approved. Ms. Kratzer raised questions regarding
signing of liability insurance papers. Mr. Brown stated that the Borough does not have a policy
at this time, however for future use, he is developing a “hold harmless” and insurance
requirements. Ms. Kratzer was also concerned that advertisement for the event states that it is
sponsored by the Borough, Fire and Police Departments. Ms. Kratzer stated that the Borough is
not a co-sponsor. Ms. Maxwell asked the cost of admission to the event and if it was open to
the general public. It was stated that it is an open event with no cost for participation. Mr.
Proctor moved and Ms. Hodge seconded a motion to allow the event to be held at the Fire
House. The motion carried by a unanimous vote of Council, with the stipulation that the
Borough is eliminated as a sponsor.
Mr. Brown requested Council to approve October 29, 2017 at 4:00 p.m. as the date for Frank S.
Brown Boulevard Dedication Ceremony. This is Mr. Brown’s birthdate. Since November 1, 2017
is the official effective date, the information will be re-posted on that date. Ms. Hodge moved
and Ms. Maxwell seconded the motion that the ceremony be held as requested. The motion
passed by a unanimous vote of Council. President Wright requested that Second Street
between Bailey Street be blocked off between 3:30 and 6:00 p.m.to ensure safety of persons
attending the ceremony. There were no objections to his request.
Mr. Brown discussed the project being made in collaboration with the Dauphin County Land
Bank, which is to build two houses at 101 Locust Street. The property is owed by the Borough
and is being transferred to the Dauphin County Land Bank. Friday, September 8, 2017 has been
designated as a Day of Service and Habitat for Humanities has 17 volunteers ready to clean out
the building. The insurance company has been contacted to ensure that the Borough has the
liability insurance necessary to cover the work. Mr. Proctor moved and Ms. Maxwell seconded
the motion that September 8, 2017 be designated as the Groundbreaking for the property at
101 Locust Street. The motion passed by a unanimous vote of Council. Ms. Kratzer asked what
time the Groundbreaking will begin. Mr. Brown explained that no time has been set but he
would email the information once it is obtained.
Mr. Brown requested Council approve of payment Application #4 to Arment Concrete in the
amount of $36,999.00. Mr. Brown explained this is the fourth and final payment made to Armet
Concrete outside of the retainage and any other Change Orders. Application for Payment #5
will be submitted for payment to cover those items once the project is totally completed. Ms.
Kratzer moved and Mr. Proctor seconded the motion that the payment be made as requested.
The motion passed by a unanimous vote of Council.
Steelton Borough Council Meeting September 5, 2017 3
Mr. Brown stated that the Police Department requested that an air conditioning/heating unit
similar to the one in Council Chambers be considered to replace the air conditioner window
units and a broiler heating system in that Department’s area. Mr. Brown requested that the
matter be placed for consideration by the Finance Committee as the 2018 budget is developed.
Ms. Hodge moved and Ms. Maxwell seconded the motion that the heating/cooling system
change be referred to the Finance Committee for inclusion in the 2018 Budget. The motion was
approved by a unanimous vote of Council.
Ms. Hodge was approached by a parent who is concerned about Childhood Cancer. The person
requested that Steelton Borough “Go Gold” by designating the Month of September as
Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. President Wright stated that he has discussed the matter
with the Solicitor who indicated that there were no legal issues to consider. President Wright
called for a motion to declare September as Childhood Cancer Month. The designation does not
involve any financial support from the Borough. Individuals are encouraged to make a donation
if they so choose. Mr. Proctor moved and Mr. Segina seconded the motion to approve the
request. Ms. Kratzer asked for clarification on what the declaration entails. She asked it if
means: that we wear gold, should we make our personal donations during that time, is there a
specific day of celebration? Ms. Hodge replied that wearing gold is fine, the recognition will be
for the entire month of September with no special day designated. She also added that
personal donations may be made to The Children’s Cancer Fund operated by the Philadelphia
Children’s Hospital. The motion passed by unanimous vote of Council. The Steelton Borough
Council’s recognition of September as Childhood Cancer Month will be posted on the Steelton
Borough website.
Mr. Proctor presented information from the NEDC Committee regarding preparation of the
Skate Park for the Dedication Celebration which is scheduled for September 23, 2017. The
Committee requested authorization to purchase two grills for a price of $1,200, $2,500 for
pervious pavers to provide additional parking and $1,200 for two recycling trashcans. The total
cost for these items is $4,900. The Committee determined that the Borough will realize a
savings of $1,000 by using the benches from the Boat Dock. Ms. Hodge moved and Ms. Kratzer
seconded the motion that the request of the NEDC be honored by approving the $4,900.00
request. The motion carried by a unanimous vote of Council. Ms. Kratzer asked if the Borough
could offset the cost by selling the pavers as was done at the Veteran’s Memorial. Mr. Brown
stated that approximately $ 4,000.00 will be funded by the remaining grant money with the
remainder of the money coming from the money borrowed to fund the project. It was noted
the Borough has filed an application for a Gaming Grant to repay the money borrowed to build
the Skate Park. Ms. Kratzer asked that the NEDC Committee consider her suggestion as one way
to offset the cost and get the community to participate and take ownership of the Skate Park.
Mr. Proctor presented the design and cost for the two plaques for approval by Council. He
stated the cost of the plaques is $559.98. At the call of the President, Ms. Maxwell moved the
plaques be purchased for $559.98. The President acknowledged that there was a motion on the
floor and asked that the names on the plaque be correct. Ms. Maxwell asked when it was
determined that the Plaza would be named for Mr. Zapalo. Ms. Hodge responded that it was
Steelton Borough Council Meeting September 5, 2017 4
just a part of the Park would be named for Mr. Zapalo, in recognition of his contribution as the
Park’s designer. The name of the entire area is still Steelton Skate Park. Recognizing Mr. Zapalo
was the decision brought forth by the NEDC committee and it had been approved by Council in
approximately June 2017. Mr. Wright stated that the plaques will be modified to accommodate
any concerns of the Council. President Wright called for a vote. Council cast a unanimous vote
to pass the motion.
President Wright announced that there would be an Executive Session to discuss personnel
matters. Then he called for Public Comments.
Public Comments:
Cheryl Powell, 321 Lebanon Street – Referring to the discussion about the plaque and the
names on the plaque, Ms. Powell asked for more information about what appeared on the
plaque. Mr. Proctor would not read the plaque, but summarized that it was a dedication plaque
saying who was instrumental in the development and named Jeff Haste, the Council Members,
the Mayor, and the Skate Park Committee as being listed on the plaque. Ms. Powell questioned
the necessity of placing all the names on the plaque instead of making a general plaque which
would cost less money. She indicated that she thinks a general dedication plaque would better
serve the community.
Emmuel Powell, 321 Lebanon Street – Mr. Powell asked if persons would be required to pay to
use the Skate Park. Mr. Wright stated that there can be no charge for persons to use a public
park. Mr. Brown clarified that the Skate Park is being paid for using three pots of funding: 1) A
Tourist Grant which comes from hotel taxes 2) a Local Share Grant which comes from the
casinos 3) an IDA Loan, for which the Borough has applied for an additional grant to pay the
loan. Mr. Powell asked if the Borough was going to make a donation to support efforts to assist
the people of Houston that were affected by the hurricane. Mr. Wright stated that the Borough
itself, would not make a donation. In response to the question, Chief Vance stated that the Fire
Department held a Boot Drive that raised $ 3,600.00 which the Department would round up to
$4,000.00.
Council Concerns:
Ms. Kratzer stated that the Fire Department was hosting a Chicken Barbecue September 9,
2017 from 11:00 am until sold out. The cost of the dinners is $9.00 and tickets are available.
Ms. Hodge stated that she attended the viewing of Ms. Bowman and asked for prayers for her
family. Ms. Bowman was very instrumental in the SHSD through her work with the Kindergarten
classes. Ms. Hodge announced the Pound Fit benefit for the Hurricane Harvey victims. She
further stated that she is very pleased with how persons in the community are becoming
engaged with things happening in the Borough. However, she commented that it would be
helpful if persons made their contributions during the planning phase rather than after the
determination made by Council.
Steelton Borough Council Meeting September 5, 2017 5
Mr. Brown – October 2, 2017 at 5:00 p.m. the son of Mr. Frederik Douglas will be in town for
the Official Dedication of the Frederick Douglas Municipal Building. On September 7, 2017
Durabond will hold a Job Fair at the Fire House from 1-6 p.m.
No comments from Ms. Maxwell, Mr. Wion, Chief Vance, Mr. Singh or Ms. Leggett-Robinson.
Mr. Segina thanked persons for coming to the meeting. He noted that the Skate Park opened
over the weekend and there were a lot of skaters in the park. He and Mr. Proctor, Mr. Brown
and Chief Minium have talked about how to address the parking issues and other things. He
noted that some people from Mechanicsburg brought children over to skate and they
purchased pizzas from a vendor on Front Street and had a little picnic in the park. In addition,
Mr. Lawson informed him that some of the older skaters visited his business on their way back
to Lancaster on the train. These actions indicate that the Skate Park is bringing some revenue
into the community.
Mr. Wright allowed a member of the public to address Council after the designated Public
Comment time.
John Dellinger, 727 North Second Street – asked about insurance with the Skate Park. Mr.
Brown responded that the Borough has discussed the Skate Park with the insurance company.
The liability insurance was increased and there was a small increase in the premium to get extra
coverage for the Skate Park. Mr. Dillinger then asked if it was a “skate at your own risk”
situation. Mr. Brown responded that his statement was correct. In his investigation of other
skate parks, he noticed the trend is skate at your own risk. Some skate parks have not been
successful because the skate parks were fenced and people were not allowed to use them.
Another deterrent is making people pay each time they skate. An example of this is what
happened in Derry Township has now closed their skate park and selling their equipment
because the cost of entry caused people to stop using the skate park. The final deterrent is over
regulating the skate park. Mr. Brown added that on the west coast “skate at your own risk” is
posted at the parks. These signs are adequate for insurance purposes.
Mr. Proctor asked Mr. Brown for an update on meeting the Spruce Street lighting needs. Mr.
Brown reported that he and Chief Minium met with PPL to determine the best location for
lights. The concern was having the lowest impact on homeowners in the area but still allowing
children to have safe traverse through the neighborhood. The consensus was placing two lights
on the corner of Spruce and Sixth Street positioned at opposite corners of the intersection. Mr.
Brown will seek the consent of the residents on the corners. PPL stands ready to act when they
are informed of the decision.
President Wright thanked Chief Vance for organizing and implementing the Boot Drive to
support people affected by the hurricane in Houston. He emphasized the inability of elected
officials to use public monies to support charities. Finally, he thanked the public for coming to
and participating in the meeting.
Steelton Borough Council Meeting September 5, 2017 6
Executive Session:
At 7:20 p.m. Mr. Proctor moved and Mr. Segina seconded the motion that Council recess into
Executive Session to discuss personnel matters.
When the Council Meeting reconvened, Council acted to amend an action taken prior to the
Executive Session. The previous motion incorrectly stated that the total cost for the signs was
$599.80 Ms. Kratzer moved and Mr. Proctor seconded the motion that $1,903.63 be approved
to pay for an additional sign for the Skate Park. The motion passed by a unanimous vote of
Council.
Adjournment:
At 7:40 p.m., Mr. Proctor moved and Mr. Segina seconded the motion that the Steelton
Borough Council Meeting be adjourned. The motion carried with a unanimous vote of Council.
Respectfully Submitted,
Douglas Brown, Secretary
Steelton Borough Council Meeting September 5, 2017 7
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