Lansdowne Borough Council General Meeting
Wednesday February 16th, 2005

The Lansdowne Borough Council General Meeting was held on Wednesday, February 16, 2005 at 7:30 PM in Borough Hall. Present were President Wayne, Mrs. Fryer, Mr. Borgman, Ms. Coleman, Ms. Hill, Mr. Lee and Mr. Smith. Also in attendance were Mayor Young, Borough Solicitor Scott, Borough Engineer Bevilacqua, Borough Manager Forrest, Borough Secretary Henry, Borough Treasurer Asciutto and Police Chief Kortan. Fire Chief Young was absent.

President Wayne stated that the meeting was being taped by Comcast and will be shown on February 21st at 7:00 PM on Channel 10.

Minutes - Mrs. Fryer moved to approve the minutes of the January 19, 2004 Borough Council General Meeting as submitted by the Secretary. Mr. Lee seconded and the motion carried unanimously with two corrections noted by Mr. Borgman and Mr. Smith.

Announcements and Presentations

Mayor's Report - Mayor Young announced the following calendar items:

1. 2/24 - Lansdowne Folk Club
2. 2/25 - No Place For Hate gathering, 20th Century Club, 7-9 PM.
3. 2/26 - Gwen Ebron at Garden Methodist Church, 7:30.
4. 3/04 - Celebration Theater starts its production of 'Play On' at the 20th Century Club.
5. 3/06, 3/19 - Amici Opera Company at Garden Methodist Church.
6. 3/11 - Renaissance Artists Puppet Company at Garden Methodist Church.
7. 3/12 - Silent Live Auction at Lansdowne Friends School, 7:30 - 10:00 PM.
8. 3/14 - Poetry Reading, 7:00 PM at Lansdowne library.
9. 3/20 - Lansdowne Symphony Orchestra at the Upper Darby Performing Arts Center.

Mayor Young reminded residents to throw snow off the street to ease traffic and to pick up any litter after the snow melts.

Mayor Young stated that property tax relief applications are due by March 1st.

Mayor Young stated that Girl Scout Troop 440 is collecting soccer balls and clothing on February 23rd, 10:00 AM at 79 Bryn Mawr Avenue and are looking for volunteers to load trucks.

Treasurer's Report - Mr. Asciutto stated that he is working on the delinquent tax report and is awaiting some further information from the Tax Collector and the Tax Claim Bureau.

Mr. Asciutto gave the Treasurer's report for January. Mr. Asciutto reported that total General Fund revenues amounted to $181,001.35 and total General Fund expenditures amounted to $358,541.11. Mr. Asciutto reported that no figures were yet available for the Police Pension and Non-Uniform Pension Funds.

Mr. Smith moved to accept the Treasurer's Report as read. Mrs. Fryer seconded and the motion carried unanimously.

Engineer's Report - Mr. Bevilacqua stated his items would be covered under Committee reports.

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

COMMITTEE REPORTS

A. President's Report - President Wayne reported that the LEDC has submitted the Main Street grant application. President Wayne stated that the objective of the Main Street program is to increase and improve business activity within the Borough's business districts through focused activities, including business retention and recruitment, increasing the job base and daytime population in the community, encouraging increased business investment, encouraging the reuse of abandoned and historical buildings such as the Lansdowne Theater, assisting in the implementation of the redevelopment area plan approved by the Borough and addressing design issues that impact the physical attractiveness of the business areas.
President Wayne stated that this grant will provide a total of $115,000 over the next 4 years that will allow for the hiring of a full time downtown coordinator. There is also $80,000 in facade improvement grants.

B. Economic Development - Ms. Coleman reported that last week a meeting was held to discuss redevelopment plans for the Lansdowne Theater to ensure that these plans fit into the Redevelopment Plan goals.
Ms. Coleman reported that the Baltimore Avenue Revitalization Plan is ready to begin. A task force has been developed and a kick off meeting will be held in Philadelphia on February 23rd.
Ms. Coleman stated that several developers have expressed interest in the Borough.
Ms. Coleman stated that the next Economic Development Committee meeting will be held on February 22nd.

C. Finance and Administration - Mr. Smith stated that the Finance and Administration Committee met on February 7th to discuss the audit commencement and contributions for 2005. Smith Barney representatives were on hand to discuss shifting the Police Pension Plan's equity balance to reflect more international securities. Mr. Smith stated that the Committee is still considering this option.
Mr. Smith stated that the next Finance and Administration Committee meeting will be held on March 7th, 7:00 PM. Items for discussion will include employee performance review process, insurance items, tax collections and possibly Mr. Asciutto's delinquency report.

D. Municipal Services - Mrs. Fryer stated that the next Municipal Services Committee meeting will be held on April 4th, 6:30 PM.

Mrs. Fryer reported that in the Clover Avenue project, the concrete restoration of the curb, sidewalk and driveway areas have started. The final bituminous paving will be applied some time after March 15th.
Mrs. Fryer gave the recycling report for January:

• Paper 30.61 tons $ 765.25
• Cans 2.2 tons $ 110.00

Mrs. Fryer stated that the next Ad Hoc School District Committee meeting will be held on February 23rd at 6:30 PM.

E. Public Safety - Ms. Hill reported that signage on Scottdale Road is complete.
Ms. Hill reported that a question was raised regarding revising the police uniforms. Ms. Hill stated that it was the Public Safety Committee's consensus that the current police officer uniforms are adequate and present the police force in a very professional manner.
Ms. Hill gave the Police Report for January: 520 incidents, 39 accidents, 891 parking tickets and 69 speeding violations.
Ms. Hill gave the Fire Department report for January: 41 alarms, time in service - 18 hours, 1 minute and 418 fire fighters responding.
Ms. Hill reported on the following library issues:

• a) The Lansdowne library will be holding a book sale at Granite Run Mall on April 29, 30 and 31.
• b) The Lansdowne library has received its State allotment of $40,000 that represents a 10% increase from last year.
• c) The Library Services and Technology Act has provided a $64,000 grant to the Lansdowne library that will allow for the development of a family reading program.

F. Zoning, Planning and Code Enforcement - Mr. Borgman reported that the demolition of 98 Nyack Avenue is underway and a pre-demolition meeting with the County will be scheduled.
Mr. Borgman reported that progress has been made regarding the property transfer inspection requirements. Mr. Borgman stated that Mr. Lee will provide a tri-fold sheet for each transfer that will specify the main items for inspection. Mr. Borgman stated that Mr. Bonenberger is still working on the latest version of the code enforcement book. Additionally, Mr. Bonenberger has developed a series of workshops regarding code enforcement.
Mr. Borgman stated that the next Zoning, Planning and Code Enforcement Committee meeting will be held on March 8th, 7:00 PM. The next Planning Commission meeting is scheduled for March 10th.

G. Parks and Recreation - Mr. Lee reported that discussions continue regarding the issues surrounding Interboro Park. Mr. Lee stated that the Recreation and Parks Board is looking at other ideas for park use that will also appeal to groups outside the 1 to 8 year old age bracket
Mr. Lee stated that Reservoir Park is now open and positive comments have been received.
Mr. Lee stated that some residents have made known their desire to have a dog park in Marlyn Park. Funding strategies and maintenance issues are being investigated.
Mr. Lee reported that the GLCA will hold a jazz brunch in Sycamore Park on June 12th, 1-3 PM.
Mr. Lee stated that the idea of having a holiday event involving the Parks and Recreation Committee and Recreation and Park Board is being investigated.

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

Visitors

Edith Bassie 70 Sayers Avenue - Mrs. Bassie stated that some type of cleanup/improvement is needed for the area around Nyack Avenue toward Union Avenue up to the shopping area.
President Wayne stated that the Municipal Services Committee will look into the matter.

John Callaghan 13 W. Greenwood Avenue - Mr. Callaghan asked why Mr. Lee was against the 55 E. Baltimore Avenue proposed development.
Mr. Callaghan asked if a church was going into the Barksdale Studios building. Mr. Scott stated that this use was denied by the Zoning Hearing Board.
Mr. Callaghan asked how many Borough employees were getting the benefit of domestic partner benefits. Mr. Scott stated that approximately 45 Borough employees are eligible but did not know the exact number of actual participants.

Stuart Hughes 80 W. Baltimore Avenue - Mr. Hughes stated his gratitude for the talking walk signal at Baltimore and Lansdowne Avenues.

Jack Covert 232 Jackson Avenue - Mr. Covert stated that the LSO will be holding its last concert for the season in May.
Mr. Covert stated that rumors were circulating regarding condemnation proceedings between Highland and Wycombe Avenues.
Mr. Covert hoped that the Borough sanitation workers were not dissatisfied with the present overtime policy.
Mr. Covert felt that abstaining from voting among Borough Council members was not a good practice and violated their sworn duty to represent the voters.
Mr. Covert asked why the $15 parking fine was never publicized. Chief Kortan stated it had been passed at the beginning of 2004 but not made effective until July 1, 2004. Mr. Covert felt that more free parking should be available throughout the Borough.

Dr. Len Wert 221 N. Lansdowne Avenue - Dr. Wert asked if Borough Council comments to visitors were included in their allotted 7 minute time limit. President Wayne stated that Borough Council comments are apart from this time limitation.
Dr. Wert asked the status of 231 N. Lansdowne Avenue, 210 and 234 Owen Avenues.
Dr. Wert stated that references to the gay element in Lansdowne and Borough association with the Philadelphia Gay News should be toned down.

Joe Heath 55 W. Greenwood Avenue - Mr. Heath asked if the light at Stewart and Lansdowne Avenues had been straightened.
Mr. Heath asked if an area of Hoffman Park had been extended yet.
Mr. Heath asked if any protection was available to guard against a new buyer disregarding the parameters of the Borough's proposed redevelopment plan.
Mr. Heath stated that the traffic situation is very dangerous coming out of the Eckerd center toward Madison Avenue.

Borough Council's Response to Visitors:

1. Redevelopment Plan - President Wayne stated that several public meeting had been held and approved by Borough Council. If a developer wants Government assistance with consolidating properties for a development project, they can submit a redevelopment proposal to the Delaware County Redevelopment Authority who will then decide if they wish to participate and if issues of eminent domain exist. To date, no such proposals have been submitted.
2. Borough Employee overtime - President Wayne stated that previously some employees had been paid for time not worked. The present Borough policy clarifies that employees will now be paid only for time actually worked.
3. Parking - President Wayne stated that the metered parking meters in front of the Marwyn Shop fill up before the free parking lot does in that same vicinity.
4. 231 N. Lansdowne, 210 and 234 Owen Avenues - Mr. Borgman stated that the owner has rejected the offer to sell 231 N. Lansdowne. Mr. Scott stated he had not heard anything on this. Mr. Borgman stated that the owner of 210 Owen Avenue complies with the code department, then incurs violations thereafter. Mr. Borgman stated that he is waiting for demolition approval on 234 Owen Avenue.
5. 55 E. Baltimore Avenue - Mr. Lee stated he was never opposed to the sale of this building but had raised serious questions and concerns about the overall design of the building, the lack of handicapped parking spaces and the subdivision variance issues. Mr. Lee stated he could not in good conscience vote for a development that would negatively impact the residents and business in that area.
6. Eminent Domain - Mr. Lee stated that he had heard nothing on this issue.
7. Hoffman Park - Ms. Hill stated that two signs had been installed along Scottdale Road notifying drivers that they were entering a park area.
8. Light at Stewart and Lansdowne Avenues - Chief Kortan stated he would investigate the matter.
9. Lansdowne Theater - President Wayne stated that funds are available to provide incentives to prospective buyers to provide long term benefit to the Borough.
10. Condemnation proceeding - Mrs. Fryer stated that she was not aware of any proceeding in this area and that any such plans would have to be advertised and made known at a public meeting.

Mr. Smith moved to Reinstate the Rules of Order. Ms. Hill seconded and the motion carried unanimously.

Old Business - None.

New Business - Mr. Smith moved to approve a tax assessment appeal settlement for South Maple Avenue (Parking Lot) at the assessed value of $11,000.00. Mr. Borgman seconded and the motion carried unanimously.
Mr. Smith moved to approve a tax assessment appeal settlement for 54 W. Marshall Road at the assessed value of $95,000.00. Mr. Borgman seconded and a roll call vote was taken. The motion carried 6-0 with President Wayne abstaining from the vote.
Mr. Lee moved to award a contract to CH Planning for $119,860.00 for a multi-municipal park, recreation and open space plan subject to receipt of additional funding from the DCNR for the Urban Forestry component. Mr. Smith seconded and the motion carried unanimously.
Mr. Smith moved to approve Resolution No. 2005-5, a resolution enlisting the support of county, state and federal elected officials to preserve and expand current funding for the community development block grant program. Mrs. Fryer seconded and the motion carried unanimously.
Mr. Smith moved to approve settlement agreement and mutual release between the Borough and Thomas Ferkler. Mr. Borgman seconded and the motion carried unanimously.

Communications - None.

Bills - Mr. Smith moved to authorize payment of bills for the period. Mr. Borgman seconded and the motion carried unanimously.

Executive Session - None

Mrs. Fryer moved to adjourn the meeting, seconded by Mr. Smith. The motion carried unanimously and the meeting adjourned at 8:45 PM.

Respectfully submitted,
Barbara Ann Henry
Borough Secretary

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