City Council

STEELTON BOROUGH COUNCIL WORKSHOP MEETING MINUTES Monday, April 21, 2025 Present: Vanessa Bowers, President Ciera Dent, Mayor Natashia Woods, Vice President Ryan Gonder, Solicitor Willie Slade, Councilmember Randy Watts, Engineer Michael Segina, Councilmember William Shaub, Police Chief Julianna Paioletti, Councilmember Steve Brubacher, Fire Chief Kathy McCool, Borough Manager Councilmember(s) Absent: Ms. Denae House & Ms. Vanessa Jenkins Call Meeting to Order: President Bowers called the meeting to order at 6:31 PM. Pledge of Allegiance: The Pledge of Allegiance was led by President Bowers. Special Presentation(s): Awards for Steelton Police Department Officers • Commendation Citations were presented to Officer Michael Smith, Officer Arthur Etnoyer, and Corporal Kevin Martin Council Meeting Roll Call: The roll was called by Mrs. McCool. The individuals listed above were present. Notice of Executive Session: None Public Comments on Agenda Items Only: None Engineers Report: Randy Watts, HRG • Hoffer Street Pump Station – Mr. Watts stated that the hold-up is the bypass plan. Mr. Watts stated that HRG is working with Keystone Pump and Power (KPP) and they are developing a plan. There is a meeting next Tuesday with the contractor and KPP to resolve the issue. Mr. Watts stated that KPP would most likely have to be a subcontractor. Mr. Watts stated that the 2nd Street paving project pre-construction meeting will be scheduled soon, with construction following. Mr. Segina asked about the easement completion for the force mains. Mr. Gonder stated that MWN is planning on filing the ones that were pushed back on. Mr. Segina said some will hold up the process. Department & Committee Reports: • Fire Department and Ambulance (Written Report) – Mr. Segina stated there is no written report. He stated that changes from the previous administration to now have hampered efforts to get information. Mr. Segina stated that the Fire Department is working with the Swatara Twp EMA director and himself to use the First Due reporting software and bring them up to speed. Mr. Segina stated that questions about outstanding bills have been sent to Ms. Carroll for payment and that repair work for trucks was included. Mr. Segina stated Steelton Borough Council Workshop Meeting Minutes – Monday, April 21, 2025 Page 1 of 6 The Events, Finance, and Intergovernmental Committees will continue to meet outside of the Council Workshop meetings.  STEELTON BOROUGH COUNCIL WORKSHOP MEETING MINUTES Monday, April 21, 2025 that a fire committee meeting on the first Sunday of May and Ms. Marcinko and the board are invited to participate. Mr. Segina stated that the Borough is paying for three phone lines at the firehouse, two for EOC, and one for the Chief’s office. He stated that the Chief's office phone nor the fax line for the EOC are needed any longer and that money could be saved by cancelling those services and getting a cell phone for the EOC. Mr. Segina asked how long the phone company contract is for, and Mrs. McCool stated they contacted Nexus Tech to see what they can do. • Police Department (Written Report) – Chief Shaub stated that he had nothing to add. When they get the FirstNet/AT&T bill, there is an EMA cell phone bill because he has to deduct that from the police phone line, so there is a line out there for EMA. Mr. Segina stated that he will check with Conor to potentially get a FirstNet phone through FirstNet instead of Verizon. Mr. Segina said there is a phone line on his budget, and the only bill is for the fire department. • Codes Department (Written Report) – Mr. Segina said there has been one rental inspection in three months, and roughly 800 per year must be done. There have been personnel issues with the department, but these must be completed. He asked about the 3 paid quick tickets out of 70 issued. The non-collection rate is 95% for the month of March. Mr. Segina asked Mrs. McCool for a report of tickets issued per month and paid/unpaid tickets per month, as there are 134 for the year. Mrs. McCool said she can make that request. Mr. Segina stated that he expected at least a 40-50% collection rate by the end of the month and requested a running total. President Bowers asked if nonpayment gets sent to the MDJ office. Mr. Segina assumes that unpaid quick tickets eventually get notice of violation, which then goes to a citation if not addressed. There are 72 notices of violations written and 31 citations written for the month. Mr. Segina asked the Council if he could talk to Ryan, as Mr. Curry stated that when these issues get sent to Lenker, they get thrown out. Mr. Segina asked if they could eventually get a property lien if unpaid up to a certain amount. Mr. Gonder replied that it could be possible. Mr. Segina mentioned the outstanding volume of uncollected quick tickets, citations, violations, etc. Mr. Segina stated that he wants to find ways to hold landlords accountable and hears horror stories of unbearable rental conditions. Mayor Dent mentioned a property maintenance program ordinance/rental registration process. Mr. Segina discussed the quick ticket process and rental inspection for getting liens. Mayor Dent suggested speaking to Lenker, and Mrs. McCool stated they tried that. Mr. Gonder said he wants to speak to Mr. Curry to learn more about the process. Mr. Segina said they need to schedule the inspections more routinely, and the next steps will be meeting with Mr. Curry, discussing the possibility of Portnoff, and issuing more quick tickets. Mayor Dent said Portnoff is too expensive, and their fees are unreasonable. Mr. Segina stated that quick tickets only hold the property owner responsible, not the tenant. • Public Works (Written Report) – Mr. Segina asked about the handicap parking sign issues regarding the lack of license plate information. Mrs. McCool will follow up on that with the staff. Mr. Segina also asked for a list of sewer mains that were worked on. Mr. Segina asked if the dangerous trees that were taken care of were Borough trees or private property, as they should be able to bill the homeowner if it is the latter. He mentioned that they are Steelton Borough Council Workshop Meeting Minutes – Monday, April 21, 2025 Page 2 of 6 The Events, Finance, and Intergovernmental Committees will continue to meet outside of the Council Workshop meetings.  STEELTON BOROUGH COUNCIL WORKSHOP MEETING MINUTES Monday, April 21, 2025 potentially spending overtime and manpower on this unnecessarily. Those issues will be brought up. • Events Committee (Upcoming Events) – Ms. Paioletti announced The Egg Drop and Bunny Hop was held on Saturday, the 12th. She thanked the fire dept, police, and everyone who supported the event, as there were over 200 kids. She announce that The Community Cleanup is April 26 at Mohn Street Park at 11 AM , the Community Garden Kickoff is May 17, and Community Heroes Day is May 31. She stated that the Events Committee isw working on the Fall Fest and Halloween. She stated that the special events ordinance is in the packet and needs the Council’s help with comments. Will be working with Gonder to finalize it. Mr. Segina said there were references to Township and private property that need to come out. • Intergovernmental Committee – Ms. Paioletti stated that the committee is waiting to hear back from Highspire Borough, as they have not held a meeting in 12 months. She stated that the committee id looking to schedule for May 21 and would include Highspire, Steelton, and SHSD. • Borough Manager’s Report – Mrs. McCool stated that she received notice that FEMA’s BRIC DTA is officially done, as the program has been disbanded. She stated that Council voted on a grant budget and was going to use the streetscape account for that, but they have to open a new account called “grants” and will transfer those funds there and will close the other account. Mrs. McCool stated that all emergency plans must be updated by 2026 due to Three Mile Island being reopened, with an unfunded mandate for purchases. She stated that the incoming company cannot pay municipalities for preparedness until they are operational, but the requirements for the Borough must be in place before that. Mr. Segina said they adopt the emergency plan from the County, so there is not much to do on that end. Mrs. McCool stated that the Borough must have an MOU with a municipality for evacuation, shelters in Steelton, etc. • Mayor's Report – Nothing to add The motion to approve the engineer's report and department & committee reports as presented was made by Mr. Segina and seconded by Vice President Woods. The motion passed unanimously. Old Business: Mrs. McCool presented for consideration and approval for amended Resolution 2025-R-8, A Resolution Re: Designation of Steelton Borough Public Officials and Public Employees Pursuant to the Pennsylvania Ethics Act and Supporting Regulations. Mrs. McCool stated they had to add a few former folks to the list. Mr. Segina added that copies of paperwork are available online and are due on May 1. Mrs. McCool stated she received a few already. The motion to approve was made by Mr. Slade and seconded by Mr. Segina. The motion passed unanimously. New Business: Steelton Borough Council Workshop Meeting Minutes – Monday, April 21, 2025 Page 3 of 6 The Events, Finance, and Intergovernmental Committees will continue to meet outside of the Council Workshop meetings.  STEELTON BOROUGH COUNCIL WORKSHOP MEETING MINUTES Monday, April 21, 2025 Mrs. McCool presented for consideration and approval of PENNVEST request #14 for $3,078.69 and includes interest costs and engineering fees. The motion to approve was made by Mr. Segina and seconded by Vice President Woods. The motion passed unanimously. Administration: Kathy McCool • Nothing at this time Economic Development: Natashia Woods/Kathy McCool • Nothing at this time Codes: Willie Slade/Aaron Curry • Special Events Ordinance (already discussed) • Mr. Segina stated they were working on an ordinance to allow fire pits in the Borough and that is almost finished. He stated that the ordinance outlines the required measurements, times, rules for use, location, etc. Public Works: Denae House/Jeff Baltimore • Vice President Woods commented that the three Welcome to Steelton signs need refurbished with new paint, flowers, etc. Public Safety: Ciera Dent/Chief Shaub/Steve Brubacher • Bailey Street Park o Mayor Dent discussed possible solutions for large crowds of youth disturbing the peace with loud music, illegal parking, drug use, erratic driving, violence, etc. She stated she wants to build rapport with the youth through the involvement of local mentoring organizations. Chief Shaub said his guys are aware of the issues there and have been issuing citations to kids who are mostly from uptown Harrisburg. He stated that officers and others feel a shooting will occur eventually. He stated that the youth move to other parks if they need to. Chief Shaub mentioned that Swatara Township is having issues with gangs near Watson Street. He stated that the violent crimes task force is aware of the area. Chief Shaub stated that he wants to be proactive with presence, and figure out how often and who. A neighborhood watch program was discussed, as there was formerly one. A list of organizations and resources was discussed. Mentioned increased patrols • Public safety walks o Mayor Dent stated that they did 2 areas last year – East Side and 2nd Street. She stated that she wants to start in East End this year, promote it more, and get more involvement. She wants to start Wed, May 14 in East End from 6-8, June 11 will start at the Municipal Building. • Mental Health Walk – May 5 Steelton Borough Council Workshop Meeting Minutes – Monday, April 21, 2025 Page 4 of 6 The Events, Finance, and Intergovernmental Committees will continue to meet outside of the Council Workshop meetings.  STEELTON BOROUGH COUNCIL WORKSHOP MEETING MINUTES Monday, April 21, 2025 o Mayor Dent announced that the Mental Health Walk starts at 6 PM on May 5 and will begin at CCA along Front Street and works down to Madsen’s office. She invited invite all first responders to participate. • Fun Times In The Park o Chief Shaub wants to get tables, chairs, and a tent for events to use at the parks. Chief Shaub stated there is no bathroom there. o Chief Shaub announced the following Fun Times in the Park dates, times and locations: April 28 at Municipal Park, May 16 at Ryan Mohn Park, and May 22 at East End. All 6-8 PM. Officer Anderson will run the events. • National Night Out o Chief Shaub announced that Tue, Aug 5 at 6 PM at SHHS football field is scheduled for National Night Out. He stated that the list for vendors and donors will be sent out tomorrow. • Calls for Service o Chief Shaub stated that the Police Department is averaging 1,051calls per month in 2025 with 2 shootings. He stated that he does not expect it to slow down. • Mayor Dent mentioned hazardous trees in East End, Mohn Street Park, Snake’s Path, etc. She wants to reach out to property owners. Mentioned the dead tree at Front & Walnut. • Mr. Segina mentioned that Chief Shaub’s last day is January 6, 2026, and asked about proceeding with hiring a new police chief, which will need a job description and public advertisement that will need tweaked, reviewed, then approved. Correspondence: • Notices of Exemption Request Granted o The county tax office granted an exemption to 300 Pine for any taxes due, which can be appealed within 30 days. Other Business: None Public Comments: • Pat Gordon, 117 N Front St, Steelton, PA 17113 – Mrs. Gordon has a complaint against the Borough for the property between the municipal building and her home, which she agreed to take care of in an agreement with the council. She said that after weeding, the dirt eroded onto the Borough building. Over the winter, there were holes going toward her property and new weeds. She is asking the council for a solution to potentially plant a couple bushes and mulch. • Maria Marcinko, 2704 South 2nd Street, Steelton, PA 17113 – Ms. Marcinko reiterated Brubacher’s statement to open communication. She asked if Steve Shaver was still with Life Team, as they are dealing with long response time issues. She stated that Council needs to investigate their contract for service, as residents could be affected by this. Ms. Marcinko mentioned the issues at public parks and the reopening of TMI. She asked if they have their NIMS training. Ms. Marcinko mentioned the March Against Violence that Steelton Borough Council Workshop Meeting Minutes – Monday, April 21, 2025 Page 5 of 6 The Events, Finance, and Intergovernmental Committees will continue to meet outside of the Council Workshop meetings.  STEELTON BOROUGH COUNCIL WORKSHOP MEETING MINUTES Monday, April 21, 2025 was previously held, and improving accountability. Mayor Dent responded by saying she and Vice President Woods held a lengthy discussion about the revitalization of the Borough. Council Comments: • Willie Slade – None • Michael Segina – None • Denae House – None • Natashia Woods – None • Julianna Paioletti – None • Ciera Dent – None • Vanessa Bowers – None Adjournment: With no other business to discuss, a motion was made by Mr. Segina and seconded by Vice President Woods to adjourn. The motion passed unanimously, and the meeting adjourned at 8:00 PM. Steelton Borough Council Workshop Meeting Minutes – Monday, April 21, 2025 Page 6 of 6 The Events, Finance, and Intergovernmental Committees will continue to meet outside of the Council Workshop meetings.