City Council

STEELTON BOROUGH COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES Monday, December 2, 2024 Present: Vanessa Bowers, President Kathy McCool, Borough Manager Natashia Woods, Vice President Randy Watts, Engineer, HRG Denae House, Councilmember Ryan Gonder, Solicitor Willie Slade, Councilmember William Shaub, Police Chief Julianna Paioletti, Councilmember Ciera Dent, Mayor Councilmember(s) Absent: Mr. Brian Proctor & Mr. Michael Segina Call Meeting to Order: President Bowers called the meeting to order at 6:11 PM. Pledge of Allegiance: The Pledge of Allegiance was led by President Bowers. Moment of Silence: A Moment of Silence was led by Mayor Dent. Special Presentations: None Council Meeting Roll Call: The roll was called by Mrs. McCool. The individuals listed above were present. Notice of Executive Session: An executive session was held before tonight’s meeting at 5:30 p.m. to discuss personnel, legal, and/or real estate matters. Public Comments on Agenda Items Only: • Vanessa Jenkins, 474 N 3rd St, Steelton, PA 17113 – Ms Jenkins stated that she has questions about the budget and the talk of an audit being done: Will one be done? How long will it take to approve, begin, and get results? Who handles the budget and is responsible for checking? President Bowers stated that this matter was discussed during the executive session and will be discussed during the next meeting. Vice President Woods noted that service contracts will be analyzed. Ms. Jenkins also asked about Mr. Musser working for/with the Borough and if the questions in the media involving him will be answered through an audit. • Maria Marcinko, 2704 S 2nd St, Steelton, PA 17113 – Ms. Marcinko recommended going to the PA Auditor General for the forensic audit at no cost instead of an RFP using tax dollars. • Pat Gordon, 117 N Front St, Steelton, PA 17113 – Mrs. Gordon Has attended every meeting this year and is questioning the purpose of this proposed audit, as she has observed fiscal responsibility from the Council in the past and wonders if this specific consulting contract problem is the reason. Woods stated that she requested an audit when Steelton Borough Council Meeting Minutes – December 2, 2024 Page 1 of 6  STEELTON BOROUGH COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES Monday, December 2, 2024 the former Borough manager left and now taking steps to ensure fiscal responsibility moving forward. Approval of the Minutes: Approval of 11/18/2024 Council meeting minutes. The approval of the 11/18/2024 minutes was tabled. Old Business: Mrs. McCool presented for consideration and approval of Higher Information Group agreement to scan and index wide-format documents not to exceed $10,000 effective January 1, 2025. McCool stated this item is included in the 2025 budget. The motion to approve was made by Vice President Woods and seconded by Mr. Slade. The motion passed unanimously. New Business: Mrs. McCool presented for approval to advertise the 2024 Steelton Borough Operating Budget - Including the General Fund, Capital Improvement Fund, Liquid Fuels Fund, Sewer Fund, and Grant Fund. The motion to approve was made by Ms. House and seconded by Ms. Paioletti. The motion passed unanimously. Mrs. McCool presented for consideration and approval of Non-uniform and Police Minimum Municipal Obligation for 2025. McCool stated that this is what the Borough will be responsible for in terms of the pension funds for both groups. The motion to approve was made by Vice President Woods and seconded by Mr. Slade. The motion passed unanimously. Mrs. McCool presented for consideration and approval of RESOLUTION 2024-R-32 - ADOPTING THE EMERGENCY OPERATIONS PLAN OF DAUPHIN COUNTY. The motion to approve was made by Ms. House and seconded by Mr. Slade. The motion passed unanimously. Mrs. McCool presented for consideration and approval of RESOLUTION 2024-R-33 - REQUESTING AN EXTENSION OF ONE YEAR TO UTILIZE DCNR GRANT AWARDED FOR THE STEEL WORKS BRICKYARD COMMUNITY PARK PROJECT. The motion to approve was made by Vice President Woods and seconded by Mr. Slade. The motion passed unanimously. Steelton Borough Council Meeting Minutes – December 2, 2024 Page 2 of 6  STEELTON BOROUGH COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES Monday, December 2, 2024 Mrs. McCool presented for consideration and approval of RESOLUTION 2024-R-34 - AMENDING RECYCLING AND TRASH COLLECTION RATES, PURSUANT TO THE INTERGOVERNMENTAL COOPERATION AGREEMENT ENTERED INTO BETWEEN THE CITY OF HARRISBURG, AND THE BOROUGH OF STEELTON ON DECEMBER 12, 2019, AUTHORIZED BY ORDINANCE NUMBER 2019-11, AND SUBSEQUENTLY RATIFIED BY RESOLUTION NUMBER R-2024-26. The motion to approve was made by Vice President Woods and seconded by Mr. Slade. The motion passed unanimously. Mrs. McCool presented for consideration and approval of RESOLUTION 2024-R-35 - AUTHORIZING/RATIFYING THE FILING AND ANY RELATED ACTION THERETO OF THE TREWICK FORCEMAIN PROJECT EASEMENT AGREEMENT FOR 407 AND 405 FREDERICK STREET. The motion to approve was made by Ms. House and seconded by Ms. Paioletti. The motion passed unanimously. Mrs. McCool presented for consideration and approval of Wilson Engineering Services, PC’s proposal to provide consulting services to the Steelton Borough in support of energy auditing at three (3) facilities selected by the Borough effective January 1, 2025. McCool stated that the cost of this will be covered by the Moore grant that the Borough was awarded. The motion to approve was made by Mr. Slade and seconded by Vice President Woods. The motion passed unanimously. Other Business: None Correspondence: None Information: None Public Comments: • Ken Wise, 2767 S 2nd St, Steelton, PA 17113 – Mr. Wise stated that he was spokesperson for the residents of East End regarding the Steelton Terminals Project, that encroaches on their neighborhood. He stated that he has previously explained the health concerns with the project. Mr. Wise also stated that with everything in the news regarding budgets, conflict of interest, overspending, etc. he believes that the consulting firms are not acting in the best interest of the Borough and that the Council should pay more attention to the voting tax-paying residents and the impending audit instead of a dangerous development project that will not generate tax dollars. • Maria Marcinko, 2704 S 2nd St, Steelton, PA 17113 – Ms. Marcinko stated that she understands the difficult decisions that elected officials face as a former Steelton Borough Council Meeting Minutes – December 2, 2024 Page 3 of 6  STEELTON BOROUGH COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES Monday, December 2, 2024 Councilmember and Mayor. She stated that with the recent news surrounding the Borough’s finances, this is another reason to vote no to the project. She was previously told that nothing could be built on that land while serving on the Council and that it was deed-restricted for residential purposes. She stated that there is a covenant about this, but it was eventually rezoned industrial in 2008, and was told that nothing would be built there. She stated that Mr. John Harbaugh from Petroleum Products owned part of the property and wanted to build a renewable fuels tank, but pulled the project because DEP found toxic areas that are currently fenced and capped. She stated that the remediation was too cost-prohibitive for him to proceed. She is asking why is it now okay to build there. Ms. Marcinko stated that residents of East End met with whom they thought was the developer to discuss concessions because this is a rights issue, but that individual was never on the property and was a lawyer. She also stated there are other reasons to vote no to include the impact on residents, and other municipalities, the history of that land, and the likelihood of the warehouses remaining empty. She told a story where an old mill worker fell into an open hearth and was buried on the proposed land. She also stated that The PA Museum Commission found Native American artifacts on the land. She also mentioned the wildlife habitat loss and a cave that leads to the Indian Echo Cavern. She hopes that the Council will listen to its residents. • Charity Brennan, 2330 S. 5th St, Steelton, PA 17113 – Ms. Brennan spoke on behalf of the Steelton Terminal Project, as she is one of the closest residents to the proposed site. She agreed with what has been said already said. Ms. Brennan sated that since 2013, there has been sewage coming into her basement and she has contacted every department in the Borough. She stated that she also has toxic mold in the basement. She stated that she went to the news as well. She stated that insurance does not cover the problem and she has documented evidence of the issue and contact. She wants the CSO separated for the health and safety of their family. She stated that she spoke to HRG and they never got back to her. She brought all her documentation with her, which one that says that once the R Street CSO was completed with restrictor plates, there were no more in the Borough. Randy Watts responded by saying that he was not present during those communications and that he would have to review the situation and report back. Ms. House asked if this issue could be fixed. Mr. Watts stated that the Steelton Terminals Project does not impact this issue. Vice President Woods says that another Councilmember told them it was fixed and that she will get the name of the engineer who recommended separating the CSO. Ms. Brennan mentioned that she is trying to sell the home but has been unsuccessful. Steelton Borough Council Meeting Minutes – December 2, 2024 Page 4 of 6  STEELTON BOROUGH COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES Monday, December 2, 2024 • Maria Marcinko, 2704 S 2nd St, Steelton, PA 17113 – Mentioned that the CSO separation years ago was going to cost $12 million. • Ben Thumma, 2154 S 3rd Ave, Steelton, PA 17113 – Mr. Thumma spoke regarding the Steelton Terminals project and the safety and economic hazards. He recommended tabling the vote until the financial situation is handled. He then asked when the vote is. Vice President Woods responded saying they will have to get back to him. Mrs. McCool stated that the developer who makes the extensions, and not the Borough, and they do not know. Ms. House stated she would be voting no anyway. Mr. Thumma moved on to speak on Harrisburg City Trash pickups and a miscommunication on a certain date regarding the time and day of pickup. He also mentioned that they are unresponsive. He stated that he has called with questions and does not get a call back. Mr. Thumma mentioned East End Park and the new equipment. He feels like the park is not what it once was. He is worried about the fence that is coming. Mrs. McCool said the fencing company should be coming this December. Vice President Woods stated that the park is not completed and will be improved upon with new facilities and features. Mr. Thumma mentioned loose bolts on the equipment and safety hazards at the park. Ms. House said that public works will address it. Vice President Woods asked Mr. Watts if he could have a conversation with Stoner. • Pat Gordon, 107 N Front St, Steelton, PA 17113 – Mrs. Gordon stated that Harrisburg City Trash is unresponsive. Vice President Woods recommended contacting a specific staff member. • Emmanuel Powell, 321 Lebanon St, Steelton, PA 17113 – Mr. Powell asked about the trash and stone debris on Harrisburg Street from the trucks. Mrs. McCool stated that Codes has witnessed the activity and they addressed it with JVI. Mr. Powell mentioned that the trucks speed as well. Chief Shaub said they cannot cite until they reach 36 mph in a 25 mph zone per state law, and they have a goal in 2025 to address trucks with overtime, details, and events. Council Comments: • Ms. Paioletti apologized for the sewage problem and will look into how they can help. She reiterated her statements to the media regarding the financial audit and the Steelton terminal project. She thanked the attendees and reminded everyone about the Tree Lighting Ceremony tomorrow at 6:00 PM. Steelton Borough Council Meeting Minutes – December 2, 2024 Page 5 of 6  STEELTON BOROUGH COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES Monday, December 2, 2024 • Ms. House thanked the attendees and apologized for the sewage problem. She stated that she will work on this ASAP. Mentioned the terminal project and said that she represents the people. Ms. House stated that she is voting no on the project after researching it on her own. She mentioned the dangers of the project. • Mr. Slade thanked the attendees for expressing concerns. • Mr. Watts spoke regarding the terminal project and that the Council’s approval is conditional based on the developer meeting those requirements. The conditions include DEP permits and NPEDS, which the Borough engineer has no jurisdiction over. They have requested all permits as part of the conditional approval. • Chief Shaub had nothing to add • Mr. Gonder had nothing to add • Dent thanked the attendees and mentioned her request for a financial audit. She said that the managerial and staff turnover when she was elected warranted a review of spending. She mentioned the terminal project and the dirtpile and the pros and cons of these types of projects. Wants to do what is right for our residents. • Mrs. McCool had nothing to add • Vice President Woods mentioned that she asked for an audit previously and that this is not an issue with the current leadership, but about past practices and where we currently stand financially. She said that she questioned contracts and spending when she first moved here. She said that the terminal project has to go through the process, but no one wants a dirt pile or a warehouse in their backyard. She said that work is being done to move forward. Thanked the attendees and wished happy holidays. With no other business to discuss, a motion was made by Ms. House and seconded by Mr. Slade to adjourn. The motion passed unanimously. Steelton Borough Council Meeting Minutes – December 2, 2024 Page 6 of 6