Lansdowne Borough Council Business Meeting

Wednesday, January 5, 2005

The Lansdowne Borough Council Business Meeting was held on Wednesday, January 5, 2005 at 7:30 PM in Borough Hall. Present were Mrs. Fryer, Mr. Borgman, Ms. Hill, Mr. Lee, Mr. Smith and Mr. Wayne. Also in attendance were Mayor Young, Borough Manager Forrest, Borough Engineer Bevilacqua, Borough Treasurer Asciutto, Borough Solicitor Scott, Borough Secretary Henry and Police Chief Kortan. Fire Chief Young was absent.

Mrs. Fryer asked for a moment of silence in memory of Deanna Wright McIntosh.

Minutes - Mr. Borgman moved to approve the minutes of the December 1, 2004 Business Meeting of Borough Council as submitted by the Secretary. Mr. Smith seconded and the motion carried unanimously.

NOMINATIONS FOR BOROUGH COUNCIL:

Mr. Smith moved to nominate Sharon Coleman to Borough Council to serve the position left vacant due to Mr. Council's resignation. This position will run until 12/31/05 and be filled in the general election of 2005. Mr. Lee seconded and a roll call vote was taken. The motion carried unanimously.

Mayor Young swore in Sharon Coleman as the new Council member.

NOMINATIONS FOR COUNCIL PRESIDENT:

Mrs. Fryer moved to nominate Gene Wayne as Borough Council President, seconded by Ms. Hill. A roll call vote was taken and the motion carried unanimously.

Mr. Smith moved to Suspend the Rules of Order. Mr. Lee seconded and the motion carried unanimously.

Visitors

John Callaghan 13 W. Greenwood Avenue - Mr. Callaghan questioned some errors not corrected in the budget. Mr. Forrest stated that these errors were in the year end projections and did not affect the 2005 budget issues.
Mr. Callaghan asked how many people were interviewed for the position of Borough Council and why it was not made public. Mr. Wayne stated that approximately five people had been interviewed. Mr. Scott stated that Borough Code does not dictate that it be a public process.
Mr. Callaghan stated some ways to save money for the Borough: sharing fire equipment with other municipalities, consolidating police forces and having a one day trash pickup in winter. Mayor Young stated that we need access to a ladder truck immediately in the case of a fire and shortchanging that would pose a danger for Lansdowne residents. Mrs. Fryer stated that the Municipal Services Committee was looking into privatizing, changing the frequency of pickups, etc.
Mr. Callaghan questioned the number of rainbow flags displayed throughout the Borough and asked if Mr. Lee could be fair in discussing gay issues as they relate to the Borough. Mr. Wayne, Mr. Smith and Mayor Young expressed their confidence that Mr. Lee could indeed be fair.

Mr. Fussinger 62 W. Marshall Road - Mr. Fussinger asked why he had to pay the Fire Marshall $500 for the annual inspection fee. Mr. Bonenberger stated that as part of the statewide building codes that Pennsylvania was mandated to adopt, the 2003 International Fire Code was also adopted and calls for annual inspections of all non-residential buildings. Mr. Fussinger asked why he had to pay for a vacant lot. Mr. Bonenberger stated that no fee was required for this nor for a vacant building and he will further investigate why Mr. Fussinger was charged for this.
Mr. Fussinger stated that he never sees policemen writing tickets between 4-6 PM in his neighborhood and requested to see the records. Chief Kortan will assist Mr. Fussinger with the request process.

Kevin Melcher 135 W. Albemarle Avenue. Mr. Melcher stated that there is a large pothole on Mansfield Road between Marshall and W. Albemarle Avenue that is getting worse. Mrs. Fryer will investigate.

Borough Council Comments to Visitors:
Regarding Mr. Callaghan's comment about Mr. Lee's ability to be fair in addressing gay issues brought before Borough Council, Mr. Lee responded that the real issue is whether those who are already biased toward gays can be fair to them in certain matters. Mr. Lee stated that discrimination has existed throughout history and this is why Lansdowne has enacted protective measures against any type of discrimination.

Mrs. Fryer moved to go back onto the agenda, seconded by Mr. Smith. The motion carried unanimously.

Reports and Discussions

A. Treasurer's Report - Mr. Ascuitto had no formal report.

B. Borough Engineer's Report -

1. Clover Avenue Sewer Project: Mr. Bevilacqua reported that pipes have been installed in the Clover Avenue sewer project. Mr. Bevilacqua reported that a void was found under the street near the fields and that a change order is needed for ripping out and replacing the concrete. Mr. Bevilacqua reported that a 16" terra cotta pipe is collapsed and the adjacent sanitary sewer is also collapsed. It will cost $20-$30 per foot to replace this pipe. Mr. Bevilacqua stated that the contractor is requesting a second payment request of $80,965.19. Mr. Forrest stated that this amount is in the bills.
2. 98 Nyack Avenue: Mr. Bevilacqua reported that bids were received on December 14th and that Shultz Demolition, Inc. of King of Prussia was the low bidder in the amount of $38,220.00. The original County funding was $30,000.00. Mr. Bevilacqua stated that a letter has been sent to the County requesting the additional funding.

Mayor Young asked if the sidewalk on Madison Avenue would be repaired. Mr. Bevilacqua stated it would. Mrs. Fryer asked if the water company would repair a portion of Lansdowne Court that had been dug up. Mr. Bevilacqua stated they would repair it.

Mr. Bevilacqua stated that the pre-cast top in front of #7 Scottdale Road has deteriorated and bids will be received to replace the top.

C. Solicitor's Report - Mr. Scott had no formal report and no items for Executive Session.

D. Borough Manager's Report - Mr. Forrest reported that momentum is now building regarding the feasibility study for widening and correcting storm sewer problems on Union Avenue. Mr. Forrest stated that a public meeting will be held in February to discuss the preliminary findings of this study.
Mr. Forrest stated that a joint meeting of the East Lansdowne and Lansdowne Planning Commissions will be held tomorrow night at the Twentieth Century Club to discuss the joint Comprehensive Plan.

E. Police Chief Kortan - Chief Kortan reported that Kevin Kienzle had just been sworn in and will be starting police duty as of tomorrow.
Chief Kortan stated that two arrests have been made in the murder of Yeadon resident Deanna Wright McIntosh. Chief Kortan stated that it was not a random murder and the investigation is continuing.

F. Fire Chief Young - There was no report given in Chief Young's absence.

G. Mayor Young - Mayor Young stated that a local Girl Scout Troop will be giving reports at the next General meeting as part of their community service project.
Mayor Young stated that the Friends of Lansdowne is sponsoring a free "Fitness with Bliss" program to be held at the Lansdowne Library.
Mayor Young stated that a No Place for Hate meeting will be held on February 25, 2005 at the Twentieth Century Club.

COMMITTEE REPORTS

H. President's Report - President Wayne stated that a public Comprehensive Plan meeting will be held on January 6th at the Twentieth Century Club at 7:00 PM.
President Wayne stated that a close joint Code Enforcement meeting will be held on January 6th at 9:30 AM at Yeadon Borough Hall.
President Wayne stated that a meeting of the Delaware County Association of Boroughs will be held on January 31st, 7:00 PM at Rutledge Borough Hall regarding financial assistance programs available from the County.
President Wayne stated that a Urban Watershed Revitalization conference will be held January 21st from 8:00 AM to 4: 25 PM, place to be determined.
President Wayne stated that Dana Bedden is the new Superintendent of the William Penn School District and will be invited to a general meeting to make a presentation regarding school district issues.
President Wayne stated that Mr. Lee is moving from the Municipal Services Committee to the Finance Committee and Sharon Coleman will be chairing the Economic Development Committee and will be serving on the Community Development and Municipal Services Committees.
President Wayne stated that Mr. Lee will be the liaison to the Lansdowne Allied Youth Council.
President Wayne asked the Finance Committee to review the issue of expenditure authority.
President Wayne asked if an educational service agency exists and who handles it. Chief Kortan stated that the Police Department hires traffic crossing guards and expenses are shared with the School District.
President Wayne asked who receives the referrals for the Library Board appointments. Ms. Hill stated she brings these to Borough Council and is in the process of making recommendations for upcoming vacancies.
President Wayne questioned annual report submissions of the Planning Commission. Mr. Smith will follow through on this. Mr. Lee stated that he will ask the Park and Recreation Board to submit annual reports as well to be in compliance.
President Wayne asked if Borough Code mandates having a Vacant Property Review Committee. Mr. Scott stated that it was no longer necessary because of the new State code law but Mr. Smith will check further into the matter.

I. Municipal Services - Mrs. Fryer reported that PECO will be trimming trees in Lansdowne beginning next week and that property owners will be notified by PECO.

Mr. Forrest stated that Christmas trees will be picked up on January 12th.

Mrs. Fryer stated that the School District is forming two task force committees: one regarding overcrowding and one regarding overall configuration of schools. Mrs. Fryer has submitted her name to be a member of the latter committee.

J. Finance and Administration - Mr. Smith stated that the Finance Committee will be looking at measures for streamlining expenses throughout the year. Mr. Smith stated he would be meeting on January 7th with a Lansdowne vendor regarding telecommunications and internet services for the Borough.

Mr. Smith mentioned he would like to have a meeting with the Pension Fund representatives to discuss the current stock market issues.

Mr. Smith mentioned that he was still looking into the matter of disability insurance for Borough police officers and employees.

K. Community Development - Mr. Borgman stated that the School District wants appraisal information for 231 N. Lansdowne Avenue. Mr. Forrest stated he is working with the developer on this.
Mr. Borgman asked Borough Council to consider approving the acquisition of the vacant green space near 139 Woodland Avenue.
Mr. Borgman reported that the Planning Commission met with Joe Riggs and developers of the Lansdowne Center on December 16th but they did not address the questions from their first meeting. They would like to bring their ideas to the February Business meeting. Mr. Borgman stated that some of the issues involve: (1) moving Eckerd Drugs to a stand alone box in the center of the parking lot, (2) reducing the depth of the existing shops that would be opposite Eckerd Drugs, and (3) creating 18 one bedroom apartments in the Matlack Building. Mr. Borgman strongly suggested that Borough Council get the opinion of Jim Hartling of Urban Partners on these redevelopment issues. After much discussion regarding the issues and what process to take, the consensus was to have a meeting with some Borough Council members and Jim Hartling (who will get plans from Joe Riggs), that may preclude them from having to attend the February business meeting. Mr. Forrest will coordinate this effort and make a list of concerns, issues and if any costs are involved.
Mr. Borgman stated that the Planning Commission has received a request to consider the subdivision of 55 E. Baltimore Avenue.
Mr. Borgman stated that the next Community Development Committee meeting will be held on January 11th at 7:00 PM to discuss property maintenance codes.
Mr. Borgman asked if there was any grace period for renewing overnight parking permits and if warning notices could be given to residents who have not yet renewed.. Chief Kortan stated that overnight parking enforcement was suspended from December 18th and resumed this week. Chief Kortan stated that notices had been sent in the past but it made no difference.

L. Public Safety - Ms. Hill had no formal report. Ms. Hill announced that Steve Sevaro was the new Assistant Fire Chief.

M. Parks and Recreation - Mr. Lee had no formal report.

N. Economic Development - Ms. Coleman had no formal report.

President Wayne mentioned that grants are pending for: (1) the Baltimore Avenue Corridor for redevelopment planning, zoning overlays, design standards and streetscapes, and (2) the South Lansdowne Revitalization Planning.

President Wayne stated that the LEDC/GLCA partnership is working on acquiring a gateway park.

Old Business - School District. President Wayne stated that he had appointed an Ad Hoc Committee to follow through with the provisions of Resolution 2004-17 regarding alternatives and strategies for electing School Board directors. Mrs. Fryer will chair this Committee and Mr. Lee, Ms. Hill and Mayor Young will serve as members.

Communications - Mayor Young read a letter of thanks for the gifts and food received through the Gift Givers Program.

Mrs. Fryer stated she had received a thank you note regarding the leaf pickup.

New Business - Mr. Smith moved to approve bills for the period. Mr. Borgman seconded and the motion carried unanimously.

Ms. Hill moved to reappoint Al Them to the Board of Health, for a five year term expiring 12/31/09. Mr. Smith seconded and the motion carried unanimously.

Mr. Borgman moved to reappoint Bob Fuhrman to the Zoning Hearing Board fora three year term expiring on 12/41/07. Mr. Smith seconded and the motion carried unanimously.

Mr. Lee moved to reappoint Fred Mirarchi to the Recreation and Park Board for a three year term expiring on 12.31/07. Mr. Smith seconded and the motion carried unanimously.

Mr. Lee moved to reappoint Khalil Shearlds to the Recreation and Park Board for a three year term expiring on 12/31/07. Mr. Smith seconded and the motion carried unanimously.

Mr. Lee moved to reappoint Jeffrey Hayden tot he Recreation and Park Board for a three year term expiring on 12/31/07. Mr. Smith seconded and the motion carried unanimously.

Mr. Smith moved to appoint Bertha Phillips as Chair of the Vacancy Board. Mr. Borgman seconded and the motion carried unanimously.

Mr. Smith moved to adopt Resolution 2005-01, a resolution authorizing the issuance of a tax and revenue anticipation note in the principal amount of $500,000; providing for the date, interest rate, maturity date, payment and place of payment in respect of the note; accepting the proposal of Commerce Bank, National Association for the purchase of the note; authorizing proper officers of the issuer to contract with a sinking fund depositary/paying agent; authorizing property officers of Lansdowne Borough to execute and deliver the note and certain other documents and certificates in connection therewith; designating the note as a "qualified tax-exempt obligation" in accordance with Section 265 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended; authorizing and directing the preparation, certification and filing of the necessary documents with the Department of Community and Economic Development of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania; setting forth a form of the note repealing inconsistent resolutions; providing for severability of provisions; and providing when this resolution shall become effective. Mr. Borgman seconded and the motion carried unanimously.

Mr. Smith moved to adopt Resolution 2005-02, a resolution regarding bank accounts and signatures. Mr. Borgman seconded and the motion carried unanimously.

Mr. Smith moved to award a two year contract for janitorial services to the Alfred

Boswell Company for $1,304.91 per month. Mr. Borgman seconded and the motion carried unanimously.

Mr. Borgman moved to proceed with acquisition of the vacant lot on Woodland Avenue for a sum not exceeding $600.00. Mr. Smith seconded and the motion carried unanimously.

Executive Session - None.

Mr. Lee moved to adjourn the meeting, seconded by Mr. Borgman. The motion carried unanimously. The meeting adjourned at 9:39 PM.

Respectfully submitted,

Barbara Ann Henry
Borough Secretary