City Council

STEELTON BOROUGH COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES Monday, July 21, 2025 Present: Vanessa Bowers, President Kathy McCool, Borough Manager Natashia Woods, Vice President Ryan Gonder, Solicitor Denae House, Councilmember Randy Watts, Engineer Willie Slade, Councilmember William Shaub, Chief of Police Michael Segina, Councilmember Aaron Curry, Codes Director Vanessa Jenkins, Councilmember Councilmember(s) Absent: Ms. Julianna Paioletti Mr. Segina explained that Fire Chief Steve Brubacher is absent due to a call. Call Meeting to Order: President Bowers called the meeting to order at 6:53 PM. Pledge of Allegiance: The Pledge of Allegiance was led by President Bowers. Special Presentation(s): 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 on July 11, 2025, at 5:30 p.m. to discuss legal matters. An executive session was held at 6:00 p.m. on July 21, 2025, to discuss legal and personnel matters. President Bowers read a statement from the Borough of Steelton regarding the incident at the Soul Lounge and will not be taking any questions from Council or the Mayor: In the early morning hours of July 6, 2025, a serious incident involving gunfire occurred on Pine Street and River Alley, resulting from an altercation that apparently began inside the Soul Lounge. The Steelton Police Department responded swiftly, and the individual involved in the shooting was apprehended and is currently facing multiple charges. In response to this incident and in the interest of public safety, Mayor Ciera Dent issued an emergency proclamation temporarily suspending operations at the Soul Lounge for a period of seven days. This action was taken to allow time for a thorough review of the situation and to ensure the safety of our residents and visitors. On July 11, 2025, the Steelton Borough Council convened an executive session with the mayor to discuss this matter. While the timing did not permit an extension of the mayor's proclamation, Council is actively reviewing all available options under the borough's local codes and chronic nuisance property ordinance to determine any next steps. Unfortunately, the business owner was unable to meet with the borough officials prior to the lounges reopening. However, the borough remains committed to engaging with the business owner and the community to address safety concerns and uphold the standards of public welfare. The borough of Steelton takes incidents of violence very seriously and will continue to work closely with law Steelton Borough Council Meeting Minutes – Monday, July 21, 2025 Page 1 of 11 The Events, Finance, and Intergovernmental Committees will continue to meet outside of the Council Workshop meetings.  STEELTON BOROUGH COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES Monday, July 21, 2025 enforcement, local businesses, and residents to maintain a safe and welcoming environment for all. Public Comments on Agenda Items Only: None Approval of schedule of billing, requisitions, and change orders as presented for: May and June 2025 The motion to approve the schedule was made by Vice President Woods and seconded by Mr. Segina. The motion was approved unanimously. Approval of Treasury Reports as presented for: January through May 2025 The motion to approve the reports was made by Mr. Segina and seconded by Mr. Slade. The motion was approved unanimously. Engineers Report: Randy Watts, HRG • The South Second Street paving project is substantially complete. They did a final walk- through with a contractor last week. The contractor has a few final punch list items to finish up, and then Council will see a final pay application for that project. The motion to accept the engineer's report was made by Ms. House and seconded by Vice President Woods. The motion was approved unanimously. Department & Committee Reports: • Fire Department and Ambulance (Written Report) – The written report has details on the amount of calls this month, as well as the upcoming trainings and maintenance on the vehicles. Three members of the volunteer fire department who have completed all training and have all the equipment for fire police. They have submitted all paperwork to the mayor's office and waiting to go back. Hopefully they will have three new fire police on the street soon. • Police Department (Written Report) – Nothing to add • Codes Department (Written Report) – Nothing to add • Public Works (Written Report) – Nothing to add • Events Committee (Upcoming Events) – Chair is absent • Intergovernmental Committee – Chair is absent • Borough Manager’s Report – Nothing to add • Mayor's Report – Nothing to add The motion to approve the department & committee reports as presented was made by Vice President Woods and seconded by Ms. House. The motion passed unanimously. Old Business: Steelton Borough Council Meeting Minutes – Monday, July 21, 2025 Page 2 of 11 The Events, Finance, and Intergovernmental Committees will continue to meet outside of the Council Workshop meetings.  STEELTON BOROUGH COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES Monday, July 21, 2025 Mrs. McCool presented for consideration of Resolution 2025-R-15, resolution to trade the ENRADD System to Lower Swatara Twp. Police for 10 newer Tasers, 7 new batteries, 14 25- foot cartridges, and 43 15-foot cartridges. The motion to approve was made by Vice President Woods and seconded by Mr. Segina. The motion passed unanimously. Mrs. McCool presented for consideration and approval to advertise Ordinance 2025-Amended Open Burn Ordinance The motion to approve was made by Mr. Segina and seconded by Mr. Slade. The motion passed unanimously. Mrs. McCool presented for consideration and approval to advertise Ordinance 2025 - Amended Snow and Ice Removal Ordinance The motion to approve was made by Mr. Slade and seconded by Mr. Segina. The motion passed unanimously. Mrs. McCool presented for consideration and approval of Resolution 2025-R-16, Resolution Authorizing the Sale of 247 Frank S. Brown Blvd. through a Sealed Bid Process. The motion to approve was made by Mr. Segina and seconded by Vice President Woods. The motion passed unanimously. New Business: Mrs. McCool presented for consideration and approval to apply for and co-sponsor Local Share Municipal Grants, as listed: Steelton Community Cats – Operational costs - $75,000 Coexist Gallery – Security & parking area improvements - $55,000 Friends over Fences – Van purchase for rehab program - $55,000 BGH Clinic – Therapeutic services costs - $85,000 These were the recommendations from the NEDC meeting that was held on the 16th of July. There were no non-recommendations. The motion to approve was made by Mr. Segina and seconded by Ms. House. The motion passed unanimously. Mrs. McCool presented for consideration and approval to apply for and co-sponsor Local Share Municipal Grants, as listed: SHU Youth Services – Soccer Program - $20,000 Steelton Borough Council Meeting Minutes – Monday, July 21, 2025 Page 3 of 11 The Events, Finance, and Intergovernmental Committees will continue to meet outside of the Council Workshop meetings.  STEELTON BOROUGH COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES Monday, July 21, 2025 The motion to approve was made by Mr. Segina and seconded by Ms. House. The motion passed unanimously. Mrs. McCool presented for consideration and approval to apply for and co-sponsor Local Share Municipal Grants, as listed: Steelton Highspire School District – New stadium - $140,719 The motion to approve was made by Ms. House and seconded by Mr. Segina. Mr. Slade abstained from voting. The motion passed. Mr. Segina presented for consideration and approval for Opportunity Construction Plans for townhomes on Ridge Street. This project was approved by Planning Commission on July 2nd. There are six waivers that have been requested: 9913 preliminary plan subdivision, waiver 9914- A-24 residential density not to exceed seven units, 99-19-C-1 minimum 50-foot width of right- of-way for minor streets, 99-19-F1 minimum 40 between private driveways on corner lots and intersections of right-of-way, 99-19-F2 minimum 10-foot radius of driveway entrances, and 99- 39 requirement lighting for subdivision land development plans. The preliminary and subdivision plans are ones they normally do for every project that comes through. Four of those are limitations because when the project was first put in, they did not have driveways. They required them to have driveways. With the way the street is laid out, they're too close to the corner for the driveway, so the Borough has to offer these waivers to allow them to have the driveways. The last one was a requirement for lighting for the subdivision land development projects, and since there's already lighting on Ridge and Adams, the Borough didn't think that was necessary. The plan is currently in two phases. The first phase is now Ridge Street only, and then the second phase would be Adams Street. They are primarily looking at approving both phases, but right now, they're only going to be working on the first Ridge Street phase. They would have to come in and file all the permits with Mr. Curry, but they want to start immediately. Vice President Woods asked how many bedrooms are in the units and Mr. Segina said that is not part of the land development. The motion to approve the waivers was made by Vice President Woods and seconded by Mr. Slade. The motion passed unanimously. The motion to approve the Opportunity Construction Land Development Plan for the townhomes on Ridge Street and Adams Street, Phase 1 and Phase 2, was made by Vice President Woods and seconded by Mr. Slade. The motion passed unanimously. The motion to approve the Opportunity Construction Land Development Plan for the townhomes on Ridge Street and Adams Street, Phase 1 and Phase 2, with the conditions as listed by Tri-County and Mr. Watts, was made by Vice President Woods and seconded by Mr. Slade. The motion passed unanimously. Steelton Borough Council Meeting Minutes – Monday, July 21, 2025 Page 4 of 11 The Events, Finance, and Intergovernmental Committees will continue to meet outside of the Council Workshop meetings.  STEELTON BOROUGH COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES Monday, July 21, 2025 Mrs. McCool presented for consideration and approval of Resolution 2025-R-17, Resolution to Adopt the 2025 Dauphin County Hazard Mitigation Plan. The motion to approve was made by Mr. Segina and seconded by Vice President Woods. The motion passed unanimously. Mrs. McCool presented for consideration and approval of Resolution 2025-R-18, Resolution Authorizing and Ratifying the Recording and any Action Thereto of the Trewick Force Main Sewer Easement Agreements for 101 Trewick St., L532 Rear Front St., L534 Rear Front St., L530 Rear Front St., and 350 N. Front St. A brief discussion was held regarding the status of the easements. The motion to approve was made by Mr. Segina and seconded by Ms. House. The motion passed unanimously. Mrs. McCool presented for consideration and approval for Resolution 2025-R-19, a Resolution for a handicapped/reserved parking space for Martine Joanis, 444 S. 2nd St., Steelton. The motion to approve was made by Ms. House and seconded by Mr. Segina. The motion passed unanimously. Mrs. McCool presented for consideration and approval to request from Prince of Peace Church and IW Abel Hall to be emergency shelters for residents of Steelton Borough. The American Red Cross would staff the location and would need to do a preliminary survey to determine suitability as an emergency shelter. The motion to approve was made by Mr. Segina and seconded by Vice President Woods. The motion passed unanimously. Mrs. McCool presented for consideration and approval for PENNVEST Payment Request #17 for Steelton Borough’s Hoffer Street Pump Station Improvements Project of $3,162.98 and includes interest costs and engineering fees. The motion to approve was made by Ms. House and seconded by Mr. Segina. The motion passed unanimously. Mrs. McCool presented for consideration and approval to pay Industrial Service Solutions $3,916.00 to replace a pump at Felton St. Pump Station. The motion to approve was made by Mr. Segina and seconded by Mr. Slade. The motion passed unanimously. Mrs. McCool presented for consideration and approval to pay A&H Equipment, $5,581.50 to replace Internal Clutches for the PTO for truck #9. Mr. Segina said this was discussed in finance Steelton Borough Council Meeting Minutes – Monday, July 21, 2025 Page 5 of 11 The Events, Finance, and Intergovernmental Committees will continue to meet outside of the Council Workshop meetings.  STEELTON BOROUGH COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES Monday, July 21, 2025 and will be approved. In the next finance meeting, they are going to have a report back to Council on the six-month review of the budget so far, and point out this budget line to see how they are. They got January through March since the treasury reports are done. They are expecting to get the January through June before the next meeting, and then going to review it, point out line items so they are aware what is reaching higher than expected. The motion to approve was made by Ms. House and seconded by Mr. Segina. The motion passed unanimously. Mrs. McCool presented for consideration and approval for HRG Pavement Management Plan for $17,200 Plus Reimbursables (Expense, Consultant). Mr. Segina stated they also discussed this one in finance. They received a $107,000 grant from the County for the street paving project on 2nd Street. They are going to take this out of the remainder of the DCID loan that we also had allocated to street paving. It is funded either through the DCID or a grant, so it doesn't hit the budget directly. The motion to approve was made by Ms. House and seconded by Mr. Segina. The motion passed unanimously. Mrs. McCool presented for consideration and approval of Cibort Park Contract for Steelton Fall Fest. The motion to approve based on Mr. Gonder’s review and approval of the contract was made by Mr. Segina and seconded by Vice President Woods. The motion passed unanimously. Mrs. McCool presented for consideration and approval of Entertainment Contracts for Steelton Fall Fest for: Greg Grasa Entertainment DJ Smitty Jeff Dermes Polka Band Reminisce Oldies Band John Cassatt – Horseback Rides 3 Monkeys Inflatables DJ Tommy Mr. Segina stated these were also discussed by finance, and they're currently all coming out of either a grant or a donation. The motion to approve based on Mr. Gonder’s review and approval of the contract was made by Mr. Segina and seconded by Vice President Woods. The motion passed unanimously. Mrs. McCool presented for consideration and approval of Sewer Bill Adjustment of $178.87 for 2627 S. 3rd St. due to a water leak. Mr. Segina stated they talked about this one in finance and Ms. McCool had reached out to the plumber to verify that the water did not go into the sewer Steelton Borough Council Meeting Minutes – Monday, July 21, 2025 Page 6 of 11 The Events, Finance, and Intergovernmental Committees will continue to meet outside of the Council Workshop meetings.  STEELTON BOROUGH COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES Monday, July 21, 2025 system. They are offering the normal credit for the amount of water above the quarterly average. This credit is what the amount is, so they'll pay their normal water bill for that quarter (their average), and then they pro-rate a smaller fee for the thousands of gallons, which is the distribution and cleaning cost. Michelle will update it on the bill. There are several lines she has to update, but that is the amount. Unfortunately, even though it did not go into the Borough’s system, it still gets counted at Capital Region when they ship the water meter rings, so they still have to pay for the cleaning. The motion to approve was made by Ms. House and seconded by Vice President Woods. The motion passed unanimously. Mrs. McCool presented for consideration and approval of a revised retirement date for William Shaub to December 2, 2025. The original date was January 2, 2026. Mr. Segina wants the motion to include that any changes to pension, vacation time, sick time, or salary adjustments that may happen by that date being changed would be accepted by Mr. Shaub before Council accepts the updated retirement date. The amended motion to approve was made by Vice President Woods and seconded by Ms. House. The motion passed unanimously. Mrs. McCool presented for consideration and approval of personnel actions as discussed in Executive Session: a $1,250 per month stipend for Mr. Curry retroactive to June 1st, 2025, as he has taken on duties of the Public Works Director. That would terminate upon the hiring of a new Public Works Director. The motion to approve was made by Mr. Segina and seconded by Ms. House. The motion passed unanimously. Mrs. McCool presented for consideration and approval of the following park requests/road closures: • Na’Ryah’s Dream Memory Walk – Turkey Hill on Front St. to Family Dollar; Second St. to Gibson St., Front St. to Turkey Hill. August 10, 2025, 8-10 a.m. • Birthday Party at Steelton Boat Dock, September 14, 2025, 2-6 p.m., requested by Angela Martin • Celebration of Life at East End Park on July 27, 2025, 11 a.m. – 8 p.m. requested by Danelle Stazewski • Steelton Showdown Skateboard Contest, Municipal Park, September 27, 2025, 10 a.m. – 8 p.m. requested by Rayzor Tattoos • Track and Field event for closing day activities, Baseball Field, August 15, 2025, 11 a.m. – 3 p.m., requested by Dee Blount Mr. Segina asked if Public Works can post that the skatepark will be closed one week prior to the skate event. Mrs. McCool stated they will post online as well. Steelton Borough Council Meeting Minutes – Monday, July 21, 2025 Page 7 of 11 The Events, Finance, and Intergovernmental Committees will continue to meet outside of the Council Workshop meetings.  STEELTON BOROUGH COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES Monday, July 21, 2025 The motion to approve was made by Vice President Woods and seconded by Ms. House. The motion passed unanimously. Administration: Kathy McCool • Energy Audit Report o They made recommendations on upgrading some equipment and solar energy. They have to take a look at the outlay and what the return on investment would be, so that's going to be a couple-month review to see where they can save some money. Mr. Segina asked if they could give it a look at the next finance meeting to see if there's anything minor that they can possibly add in the next year's budget. Mrs. McCool stated that the audit was paid for by a grant and did not come out of general funds. Economic Development: Natashia Woods/Kathy McCool • Brickyard Park o The updated plans that are going to be presented to the Planning Commission were discussed at the meeting on the 16th with Randy. There were some extra things to put in. President Bowers asked if there was a deadline or date for breaking ground, and Vice President Woods replied stating that will be determined after it goes through the planning commission. Codes: Willie Slade/Aaron Curry • Nothing to add at this time Public Works: Denae House/Aaron Curry • Five interviews were conducted for the public works director position Public Safety: Ciera Dent/Chief Shaub/Steve Brubacher • National Night Out is on Tuesday, August 5 at the high school football field with 25 plus vendors, a bounce house, DJ & more • Rep. Dave Madsen held a gun violence discussion panel with the juvenile court system, admin judge Morris, juvenile probation, children and youth, Shaffner, and a couple non- profit organizations. Met to discuss potential solutions for addressing the increase local youth violence. Discussed the lack of resources such as detention facilities, foster care, adoption agencies, volunteers, difficulty finding placement after crimes, and repeat offenders. Working with state delegation to find funding for the juvenile court system. Would like to host a similar meeting in Steelton to inform residents and officials. Correspondence: • Letter from Emily Wanner regarding Tree Commission o She would like to start one. Mr. Segina stated that in the ordinances, the Borough has a tree chapter, which does include a tree commission and a tree warden (typically the codes director). They do not have a tree commission board, as nobody Steelton Borough Council Meeting Minutes – Monday, July 21, 2025 Page 8 of 11 The Events, Finance, and Intergovernmental Committees will continue to meet outside of the Council Workshop meetings.  STEELTON BOROUGH COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES Monday, July 21, 2025 wants to fill it. Mr. Segina stated he will get the information to Kathy, Ryan, and Aaron, plus get that on the website. • Notice of a Change in Assessment for 300 Christian St. o Increase in the assessed value Other Business: None President Bowers reminded attendees about the three-minute time limit. Public Comments: • Pat Gordon, 117 N Front St, Steelton, PA 17113 – Wants the Borough/police to look into Turkey Hill in addition to the Soul Lounge incident, as there was a large gathering and noise there the day before. There is a crowd every Friday night. Turkey Hill’s hours were discussed. Called the police for a fight incident. • Carol Muretic, 201 Reading St, Steelton, PA 17113 – Asked about the minors and the Soul Lounge. Wants the events there to end. Stated kids are running around looking into cars at night in her neighborhood. Asked about noise violations and loud cars, and would like to see that in the newsletter. Asked about parking on the sidewalk on Pine Street. Mentioned property cleanups and maintenance, specifically at 305 Front Street. She asked about the street cleaner, which needs to be repaired. Mentioned other living conditions in the Borough. • Terry Lawson, Property Maintenance at 42 S Harrisburg St, Steelton, PA 17113 – Recently had an inspection by HUD and General Health and Safety. There was evidence of rat infestation, so the property didn't pass and the owner lost their voucher. It will become a vacant property. It is his second time speaking to Council about this, as it was 40 S Harrisburg Street that was previously condemned, but the property owner was allowed to move back in. The block is infested with rats. A restoration company came and the people left. There is an ammonia smell on the block. The homeowners are raising rats. It is becoming a health issue. Ms. House suggested reaching out to the representative. Mrs. McCool stated the Department of Health has been contacted and they outlined solutions. The Borough will probably do an administrative search to destroy the rats. Also mentioned trees, roaches, and high weeds. Mr. Segina explained that homeowners have property rights. 40 S Harrisburg was condemned. The HUD home is 42. The exterminators have killed the rats and they are dying in between the properties, and dogs are eating them and dying. They have to get a court order to enter the property. There is video evidence of the rats. Ms. Jenkins suggested submitting the evidence online via the codes complaint forms. Mentioned the youth issues in town and how he is attempting to start an after-school program. Steelton Borough Council Meeting Minutes – Monday, July 21, 2025 Page 9 of 11 The Events, Finance, and Intergovernmental Committees will continue to meet outside of the Council Workshop meetings.  STEELTON BOROUGH COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES Monday, July 21, 2025 • Brenda Hicks, 522 Lincoln St, Steelton, PA 17113 – Husband is a life-long resident. She had been living here for 18 years. Mentioned the fireworks situation, and it is causing mini fires and trash. Mentioned trash and furniture on the sidewalks. Mentioned illegal motorbikes and reckless driving. Stated kids are going through cars and attempting to break into homes. Asked about how to address youth violence and accountability from parents. She is afraid of violence, property damage, and retaliation for contacting police. She stated they are contemplating leaving Steelton and does not feel safe anymore. Wants to address the safety issues in town. Stated that renters are outnumbering property owners. Mentioned potholes in the roads, especially on 2nd Street by the post office and between Locust and Walnut. Mentioned the issue of negligent landlords. • William Rucker, 395 S 2nd St, Steelton, PA 17113 – Pastor at New Hope Baptist Church. They are going to be bringing the church to the community, and will be in the streets and on the corners. Ms. House asked for a schedule to join them. • Valerie E. Spencer, Steelton property owner, Swatara Twp. resident – Debating on selling her properties and is concerned about the residents, especially the elderly and the youth. She collaborated with Pastor Rucker to feed the homeless in Harrisburg and deliver food to the homes of senior citizens in the area. Suggested having multiple community meetings to accommodate the schedules of residents, and having a billboard with meeting dates outside the municipal building. She suggested that the local businesses, churches, and organizations meet with elected officials. Council Comments: • Vanessa Jenkins – Thanked attendees and would like to be involved with the community- led initiatives. Suggested showing the local youth love and compassion. • Natashia Woods – Thanked attendees. Wants to bring resources to the community. She is working on a plan to address the roots of the town’s issues. It Takes a Village wants to have a mediated plan to bring in new businesses. Stated that Steelton has changed since she moved here in 2009, and she hears the issues. • Denae House – Thanked attendees. Stated that Steelton has changed since she moved here in 1989. Addressed the youth issues and suggested showing them how to show respect. Thanked Pastor Rucker for his plan to reach residents. Said there is no one to blame. Stated they hear their concerns. • Michael Segina – PA American Water will be doing door-to-door canvassing to address lead water lines on August 4th. The planning Commission meeting is on August 6th and Brickyard Park will be discussed, along with an updated and the new submitted plan for the Steelton Terminals project, which was the East End Warehouse project. Stated there are zero active firefighters that reside in the Borough. They have a junior fire department with two members. For those over 18, everything is provided such as training and equipment. Children are subject to minor labor laws even though it is volunteer. The hope is to recruit younger residents. There are stipulations and restrictions for minor fire Steelton Borough Council Meeting Minutes – Monday, July 21, 2025 Page 10 of 11 The Events, Finance, and Intergovernmental Committees will continue to meet outside of the Council Workshop meetings.  STEELTON BOROUGH COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES Monday, July 21, 2025 volunteers. Stated that the fire department is a separate nonprofit, but the Borough works directly through them. • Willie Slade – Thanked attendees for expressing concerns. As a life-long resident, he has seen the changes and recommended doing more with the entities that serve the kids. • Ciera Dent – Thanked attendees, but mentioned that a crowd typically means people are upset about something. Stated she is building relationships with different entities at different levels to bring the town forward. Described how difficult the past year-plus has been for her and the police department. Described the code loophole that allowed nuisance businesses to open and operate in the Borough. Stated that the Borough needs to come together, or it will not improve. Stated she goes above and beyond in her position, and that Steelton needs a vision. • Vanessa Bowers – Stated that complaints are mostly made on social media. Stated that she sees adults having issues as well as the youth. Wants there to be more cooperation among borough leaders. Mentioned that neighborhood accountability is gone. Stated that the community has changed. Stated there is a Fall Fest coming up and encouraged residents to attend. Wants the information to be sent out to local schools, too. Thanked attendees. Adjournment: With no other business to discuss, a motion was made by Vice President Woods and seconded by Mr. Slade to adjourn. The motion passed unanimously, and the meeting adjourned at 8:40 PM. Steelton Borough Council Meeting Minutes – Monday, July 21, 2025 Page 11 of 11 The Events, Finance, and Intergovernmental Committees will continue to meet outside of the Council Workshop meetings.