City Council

Steelton Borough Council Meeting January 6, 2020 Present: Keontay Hodge Mayor Maria Marcinko Denae House David Wion, Solicitor William Jones Douglas Brown, Borough Manager William Krovic Anne Shambaugh, Asst. Borough Manager Brian Proctor Anthony Minium, Police Chief Michael Segina Eugene Vance, Fire Chief Natashia Woods Aaron Curry, Codes Officer Olivia Palermo, Jr. Councilperson Keith Miller, Foreman, Public Works Thommie Leggett-Robinson, Exec. Assist. Renee Bowers-Drayton, Admin. Assist The meeting was called to order by Mayor Marcinko at 6:30 p.m., she led the body in the Pledge of Allegiance, and Moment of Silent Reflection. The newly elected Councilmen sworn into office: The Honorable Maria R. Marcinko administered the Oath of Office to the Honorable Michael Segina. During the Oath of Office, Former Mayor Tom Acri held the Bible. The Honorable Maria R. Marcinko administered the Oath of Office to The Honorable William Jones. Mr. Jones’ mother, Ms. Paula Evans, held the Bible as he repeated the oath. The Honorable Sonya M. McKnight, Magisterial District Judge, administered the Oath of Office to The Honorable Keontay Hodge. Ms. Hodge's mother, Ms. Sonya Lynn Hodge, held the Bible as she repeated the oath. The Honorable Sonya M. McKnight, Magisterial District Judge, administered the Oath of Office to The Honorable Denae House. Ms. Patin Bowers-Drayton held the Bible as she repeated the oath. Following the ceremony, Mayor Marcinko opened the floor for nomination for President of the Council. Ms. Hodge nominated Brian Proctor for the position of President. There were no more nominations; therefore, the nominations were closed. Mayor Marcinko called for a roll call vote: Mr. Krovic – aye Ms. Hodge - aye Ms. House – aye Mr. Jones - aye Mr. Segina – aye Ms. Woods - aye Mr. Proctor was elected President of the Council by acclamation of the Council. Steelton Borough Council Meeting – January 6, 2020 1 Mayor Marcinko opened the floor for nomination for Vice President of the Council. Mr. Krovic nominated Mr. Segina. Because there were no other nominations, the nominations were closed. The Mayor called for a roll call vote: Mr. Krovic – aye Ms. Hodge – aye Ms. House – aye Mr. Jones - aye Mr. Segina – aye Ms. Woods - aye Mr. Segina was elected Vice President of the Council by a unanimous vote of the Council. Mayor Marcinko then turned the meeting over to the newly elected President, Mr. Proctor. Mr. Proctor thanked his colleagues for having faith in him to lead the Council. He then congratulated the newly sworn-in members. To keep the Borough moving forward, Mr. Proctor acknowledged the number of persons who attended the meeting and asked that more people come to the meetings. He then proceeded to move on with the election of Council Officers, appointments to positions, and other business pertinent to the operation of the Borough. Mr. Proctor called for nominations for President Pro-Tem of the Council. Mr. Segina nominated Ms. Hodge, and the motion was seconded by Mr. Krovic. A roll call vote was conducted: Mr. Krovic – aye Mr. Proctor – aye Ms. Woods - aye Ms. House – aye Ms. Hodge - aye Mr. Segina – aye Mr. Jones - aye Ms. Hodge elected President Pro-Tem of the Council by a unanimous vote. Ms. Hodge moved, and Mr. Segina seconded the motion that Council approves Resolution 2020-R-01 –Appointing Anne Shambaugh Borough Secretary and Borough Treasurer. The motion passed by a unanimous vote of the Council. Mr. Segina moved, and Ms. Hodge seconded the motion that the Council passes Resolution 2020-R-02 Appointing Rosemarie L. Paul Assistant Borough Secretary and Assistant Borough Treasurer. The motion passed by a unanimous vote of the Council. Ms. Hodge moved, and Mr. Jones seconded the motion that the Engagement Letter Agreement contracting David A. Wion, of Caldwell & Kearns, PC, as Solicitor for the Council be accepted. The motion passed by a unanimous vote of the Council. Ms. Hodge moved, and Ms. Woods seconded the motion that Michael M. Miller of Eckert Seamans LLP, receive the contract as Solicitor for Police Negotiations. The motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council. Ms. Hodge moved, and Mr. Segina seconded the motion that the contract for Solicitor for Non-Uniform Negotiations be awarded to Michael M. Miller of Eckert Seamans LLP. The motion passed by a unanimous vote of the Council. Steelton Borough Council Meeting – January 6, 2020 2 Ms. Hodge moved, and Mr. Jones seconded the motion that the offices of Herbert, Rowland & Grubic, Inc., of which Robert Grubic is President, be contracted to serve as the Borough’s Engineers. The motion passed by a unanimous vote of the Council. Ms. Hodge moved, and Mr. Segina seconded the motion that Aaron Curry continue employment as the Borough’s Code/Zoning/Planning Officer. The motion passed by a unanimous vote of the Council. The vote for the appointment of the Fire Chief and other Fire Department staff was tabled until after the Executive Session. Mr. Segina moved, and Ms. Hodge seconded the motion that Conner Higgins be recognized as, and continue as, the Emergency Management Coordinator. The motion was passed by the unanimous vote of the Council. Ms. Hodge moved, and Ms. House seconded the motion that Council Officially Adopt Robert’s Rules of Order, 11th Edition, as the procedural guide, where applicable, used to conduct Council business. The motion was passed by a unanimous vote of the Council. Mr. Krovic moved that the Council approve the Minutes from the December 16, 2019 Meeting. The motion was seconded by Mr. Segina and passed by a unanimous vote of the Council. Mr. Wion explained to the Council and the body that the Borough Code sets a procedure for filling specified Borough Offices. If the Borough Council fails to fill the vacancy within 30 days, the vacancy is filled within 15 additional days by the Vacancy Board. The Vacancy Board consist of the Council and one registered elector of the Borough, who is appointed by the Council at the first meeting each calendar year. Mr. Wion requested that the Council approve the Resolution presented to comply with that Code. Ms. Hodge moved, and Mr. Jones seconded the motion that Council adopts Resolution 2020-R-03, Appointing Stephen J. Shaver Chair of the Steelton Vacancy Board for Term Ending December 31, 2020. The motion passed by a unanimous vote of the Council. Mr. Wion presented a Resolution to fill a vacancy on the Zoning Hearing Board for the Council’s consideration. Mr. Segina moved, and Ms. Woods seconded the motion that Council adopts Resolution 2020-R-04, Re-appointing Brandon J. Flood to Zoning Hearing Board for Term Ending December 31, 2022. Due to personal reasons, Ms. Hodge abstained from voting. The motion passed by a majority vote of the Council. John Sheetz, HRG Engineer, was scheduled to present the December Engineer’s Report. The report included the request that Council approves HRG's request for Payment #1 for the 2019 Sanitary Sewer Rehabilitation Project. The presentation was tabled until the next Council meeting. Steelton Borough Council Meeting – January 6, 2020 3 Mr. Wion presented information regarding an immediate need for action following the December 16, 2019, Council meeting. At that meeting, Council voted to accept McNees Wallace & Nurick to represent the Council as Bond Counsel in the $3 million loan transaction with Fulton Bank. The Agreement was signed by Vice President Segina, who presided over that meeting. It was determined that there might be a conflict of interest since McNees Wallace & Nurick represent Fulton Bank on some matters. Therefore, it was necessary for the bank and the Borough to agree that there would be no conflict in the company representing both entities for the loan. Further, should any litigation arise between the bank and the Borough, the law firm would withdraw from their representation, and other Counsel would be appointed. President Proctor clarified that loans were taken out by the Borough to pay for the moving of the sewer lines at the Front Street project. A loan $3 million was previously approved for the project. Applications for grants have been filed to offset $1.5 million of the loan. Ms. Hodge moved that Council ratify Mr. Segina’s signing of the December 17, 2019 Conflict Consent Request Letter with McNees Wallace & Nurick, LLC. Mr. Jones seconded the motion, which passed by a unanimous vote of the Council. Police Chief Minium requested that the Council extend the employment of a part-time (29 hours per week), temporary employee. He stated that the position was not budgeted; however, an additional Police Officer position is in the budget, but hiring for that position will not occur until mid-June or August. Therefore, money to fund the temporary position is available. Ms. Hodge moved that Tyler Vaupel’s part-time, temporary employment with Steelton Borough Police Department be extended for an additional 120 Days. Ms. House seconded the motion, which passed by a unanimous vote of the Council. Members of the Council expressed the following concerns: Mr. Krovic thanked persons for attending the meeting and congratulated the new and re- elected members of the Council. Ms. House, Ms. Woods, and Mr. Jones thanked persons for attending the meeting and wished those in attendance a Happy New Year. Ms. Leggett-Robinson asked that any persons making remarks speak clearly into the microphone. Ms. Bowers-Drayton had no comment. Mr. Brown acknowledged that this is his last Council Meeting before the move to his new position with Dauphin County. He thanked both the established and newly elected Council Members for their support during the past four years. Mr. Brown acknowledged and thanked persons for the hard work it took to move Steelton forward. He noted that sometimes there were differences, but there will always be differences. However, he knew that persons on the Council care about and love Steelton, and want to do better for the town. He asked the Council to continue the spirit of cooperation in all future endeavors. He again thanked them for all the things they have done for him. Steelton Borough Council Meeting – January 6, 2020 4 Ms. Shambaugh thanked members of the Council and the community. She stated that she looked forward to working with everyone to carry out all the fantastic work that Mr. Brown started. Mr. Wion congratulated the newly elected/re-elected Council members. He stated that the previous Council had done exemplary work moving things forward. Mr. Wion thanked Mr. Brown for doing a yeoman’s job during both of his tenures leading the Borough. As examples of Mr. Brown's work, he listed working overtime when necessary, securing grants, and pushing the Borough to move forward various actions for the Borough. However, he stated that Anne Shambaugh has an excellent background as a Borough Manager, and is sure that she will, with help from Doug initially, do an excellent job. He again thanked Mr. Brown and wished him the best of luck in his new position. Ms. Palermo had no comments. Mayor Marcinko congratulated Mr. Brown on his new position. She stated that she is grateful to Mr. Brown for keeping her and the Council out of the weeds during his tenure as the Borough Manager. She noted that he, along with a very insightful Council, moved the Borough forward. Congratulation was extended to Ms. Shambaugh and the Council, including the newly elected members. Further, the community should understand how free-thinking the Borough is and how they are trying to move the Borough in the right direction. She noted that the community’s support is necessary to make things happen. Encouraged by the number of persons in attendance at this meeting, she said she would like to see the same amount of persons present on the first and third Mondays of each month. Mayor Marcinko asked that persons contact the officials when there are concerns. She stated that email addresses and telephone numbers were available. Finally, she said that she and the Police Department were looking forward to working with the new Council. Ms. Hodge welcomed all the Council members and thanked persons for their support during her previous term on the Council and for re-electing her. She stated that she was upset that Mr. Brown was leaving and said that she was looking forward to getting to know and working with Ms. Shambaugh. Ms. Bowers-Drayton's presence was acknowledged. Ms. Hodge shared that she is looking forward to helping the Council and Borough move from where it once was to where it’s about to be. She declared that President Proctor has been the epitome of what she considers to be a real president. She also expressed appreciation to the developing relationship with Vice President Segina. Finally, she announced that there will be a reception at Co-Exist Gallery following the meeting. Mr. Segina congratulated Ms. House, Mr. Jones, and Ms. Hodge on their election to the Council. He thanked the residents of the Borough for allowing him to serve again since it is something he really loves doing. Mr. Segina thanked Mr. Brown and noted that he will be missed. He acknowledged that Ms. Shambaugh has a good head start working with the Council and employees. He listed the new things that were going on in the Borough and said he looked forward to working with the new ideas that will be presented by Council. Steelton Borough Council Meeting – January 6, 2020 5 Mr. Proctor congratulated the newly sworn-in Council members. He stated that it takes a particular person to serve on Council, with little compensation for the long hours and hard work required. He commended the persons sworn in and stated he looked forward to working with them. He again thanked the Council members for allowing him to lead and make a smooth transition into the things that need to be achieved. President Proctor thanked Mr. Brown for his hard work and stated that he looked forward to working with him in his new capacity with Dauphin County. Voicing gratitude for the County Commissioners, he mentioned the amount of support they have given the Borough in terms of encouragement and grants. At 7:10 p.m., Mr. Segina moved that the Council move into Executive Session to discuss personnel issues. The motion was seconded by Mr. Krovic and passed by a unanimous vote of the Council. The President noted that after the Executive Session, Public Comments will be heard, and the meeting adjourned. At 7:40 p.m. Mr. Segina moved that Council resume to the regular session. The motion was seconded by Ms. Hodge and passed by a unanimous vote of the Council. President Proctor stated that earlier appointments were not made before the Executive Session. The Council had received a letter from Stephen Brubacher, Sr. to be considered for the position of Fire Chief. Ms. Hodge moved, and Ms. House seconded the motion that Eugene Vance be re-appointed as Fire Chief for a two-year term. Council voted unanimously to pass the motion. Mr. Segina moved, and Mr. Jones seconded the motion to appoint Andrew Mahalchick, Assistant Chief of the Fire Department. The motion passed by a unanimous vote of the Council. Mr. Segina moved, and Ms. Hodge seconded the motion that Council appoints Stephen Brubacher, Jr. as Battalion Chief of the Fire Department. The motion passed by a unanimous vote of the Council. President Proctor called for Public Comments. There were none. At 7:43 p.m., Mr. Segina moved, and Mr. Jones seconded the motion that the Council Meeting of the Borough of Steelton, Pennsylvania, be adjourned. The motion passed by a unanimous vote of the Council. Respectfully submitted, Douglas Brown, Borough Manager Steelton Borough Council Meeting – January 6, 2020 6