Lansdowne Borough Council General Meeting

Wednesday - March 16, 2005

The Lansdowne Borough Council General Meeting was held on Wednesday, March 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 March 21st at 7:00 PM on Channel 10.

Minutes - Mr. Smith moved to approve the minutes of the February16, 2004 Borough Council General Meeting as submitted by the Secretary. Mr. Borgman seconded and the motion carried unanimously.

Announcements and Presentations

Mayor's Report - Mayor Young introduced Lee Jones, President of the Lansdowne Folk Club, who mentioned that on April 1st a benefit will be held to celebrate the Club's 12 year existence.
Mayor Young welcomed Girl Scout Troop 539 whose members are working on their leadership badges. The troop gave a presentation on the purpose of the Girl Scouts organization and what activities the members participate in for the various achievement badge awards. The Girl Scouts meet every Wednesday at the Garden Methodist Church from 7:00 to 8:30 PM.
Mayor Young welcomed Pauline Garcia of the Anti Defamation League, who presented Lansdowne's recertification as a No Place For Hate community.
Mayor Young announced the following calendar items:

1. The Senior Center is looking for volunteers to be meal driver and escort meal runners.
2. April 11th - Poetry reading at the Library.
3. April 29th - Arbor Day - 1:000 PM in Sycamore Park.
4. April 30th - 4th annual Town Yard Sale.
5. May 1st - Lansdowne Symphony Orchestra concert
6. April 28 and May 26th - Lansdowne Folk Club concerts.
7. April 9th and May 14th - Girl Scouts are collecting plastic drinking bottles, alkaline batteries and childrens' books at Highland Avenue parking lot, 8-11:00 AM.

Treasurer's Report - Mr. Asciutto gave the Treasurer's report for February. Mr. Asciutto reported that total General Fund revenues amounted to $ 115,062.45 and total General Fund expenditures amounted to $ 377,968.22.
Mr. Asciutto reported that over the past 4 years, 95.4% of taxes have been collected on a current basis and almost 100% of delinquent taxes are collected. At year end 2004, delinquent taxes amounted to $ 261,616.00.
Mr. Smith moved to accept the Treasurer's Report as read. Mr. Borgman 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 one Executive Session item. Mr. Scott reported that $8,500.00 had been received in the Ferkler escrow dispute.

COMMITTEE REPORTS

A. President's Report - President Wayne stated that a meeting will be set up with members of the Delaware Valley Planning Department to discuss The Borough's questions and changes regarding the Comprehensive Plan.
President Wayne stated that he has invited William Penn School District Superintendent Dr. Dana Bedden to make a presentation at the April 20th general meeting.

B. Economic Development - Ms. Coleman thanked a variety of organizations who donated refreshments at the recent No Place For Hate community celebration on February 25th.
Ms. Coleman reported that the Baltimore Avenue project has started and the leading developer is McCormack & Taylor. Ms. Coleman stated that the initial project is expected to take 12-15 months and will identify opportunity areas along the corridor, create a vision of what it should look like and develop a plan as to how to meet that particular goal.
Ms. Coleman reported that a grant has been received for the Neighborhood Revitalization Strategy to rehabilitate properties between Union and Lansdowne Avenues south of the railroad tracks.
Ms. Coleman reported that the grant application has been submitted for the Main Street Program.
Ms. Coleman stated that the next Economic Development Committee meeting will be held on March 22nd. The mission of the Committee was discussed at their February 22nd meeting.

C. Finance and Administration - Mr. Smith reported that the 2004 Borough audit is progressing and the hope is that the report will be submitted by April 1st.
Mr. Smith stated that Tax Collector Dale Nupp has collected and processed $530,025.07 of current real estate taxes through March 15th, $124,905.96 of current trash fees and $153,603.15 of current sewer fees. To date, approximately $332,093.34 in general fund revenues and $71,449.86 in sewer fund fees have been sent to the Borough. Mr. Smith stated that today alone Mr. Nupp collected $522,606.13 will be processed by his office and sent to the Borough within approximately 5-7 days of deposit.
Mr. Smith stated that the next Finance and Administration Committee meeting will be held on April 4th, 7:00 PM in Borough Hall.

D. Municipal Services - Mrs. Fryer offered her condolences to the Laura Mingle family.
Mrs. Fryer reported that a special meeting was held on March 10th to review the Storm water Ordinance provisions in question that were discussed at last month's business meeting. Mrs. Fryer stated that the 'optional' areas to be incorporated include Section 905 and Appendix B. Appendix B encourages developments of less than 2000 sq. ft. and earth disturbances of less than 5000 sq. ft. to address water quality and ground water recharge requirements.
Mrs. Fryer reported that the contractor is currently completing the concrete base repair in the Clover Avenue project and hopes to complete the punch list items and restoration items in the next two weeks. Mrs. Fryer reported that a TV inspection found three holes in the pipe at the ball field behind the administration building. A temporary fix will be made until a more permanent one can be arranged.
Mrs. Fryer reported that a meeting was held on February 10th at the Twentieth Century Club to start examining the Union Avenue Feasibility Study. This study will be funded through a $34,000 grant from the DVRPC with Lansdowne and Upper Darby providing the remaining $11,000. Mrs. Fryer stated that residents' primary concerns were about the flooding in this area and a second public meeting will be scheduled when the initial data gathering and analysis is complete and a draft plan is developed. Mrs. Fryer stated that the Plan does not provide funding for any necessary capital improvements that may be identified in the plan.
Mrs. Fryer reported that the Ad Hoc School Committee has drafted a letter inviting all members of the Borough Councils of the William Penn School District, elected State officials and Governor Rendell to a tentatively scheduled meeting on April 16th, 9:00 AM - Noon at the Twentieth Century Club. At this meeting findings will be presented from research regarding what options are available to change the way School Board directors are elected. Mrs. Fryer reported that a business meeting of the William Penn School District Board will be held on March 28th, 8:00 PM at the Penn Wood High School auditorium. A pre-session meeting will be open to the public at 7:00 PM in the library.
Mrs. Fryer stated that the annual Penn Wood High School art show is scheduled for April 10th, Noon to 4:00 PM.
Mrs. Fryer gave an overview of the recycling program requirements performed by Betsy Riffert: In January of each year a form is sent to each hauler in the Borough. This information is sent back with a $50 registration fee. These haulers then state what they collect and the tonnage. This information is then given to the Delaware County Solid Waste Authority for their county totals. In August/September, Ms. Riffert completes the Act 101, Section 904 Recycling Program performance grant paper work. Mrs. Fryer stated that the Borough received a $19,091 grant for 2002, $14,200 for 2003 and she anticipates that we will receive approximately the same amount for 2004.
There was no recycling report given for February.

E. Public Safety - Ms. Hill reported that at the March 9th Public Safety Committee meeting, a presentation was given by Sal Crescent regarding crosswalk proposals. Also, Chief Kortan gave an overview of establishing a Neighborhood Watch program in Lansdowne. It was the Committee's consensus to present this program as an option for neighbors and any start up assistance will be provided by the Police Department.
Ms. Hill stated that the current parking ordinance now in effect for the Marshall Road business district will remain in place.
Ms. Hill gave the Police Report for February: 427 incidents, 779 parking tickets, 27 motor vehicle accidents, 223 motor vehicle violations and 188 speeding arrests.
Ms. Hill reported that a signage upgrading for Marshall Road will be addressed at next month's Public Safety Committee meeting.

F. Zoning, Planning and Code Enforcement - Mr. Borgman reported that the Zoning Planning and Code Enforcement Committee met on March 8th regarding a zoning appeal of a S. Lansdowne Avenue property.
Mr. Borgman stated that the first code workshop will be held on May 14th at the Twentieth Century Club.
Mr. Borgman stated that the traditional methods for repeated citation and judicial sanction are not very efficient and additional strategies are needed.
Mr. Borgman stated that a forced sheriff sale has been filed for 231 N. Lansdowne Avenue. A cleanup has been ordered for 210 Owen Avenue. The Borough has placed a lien on 234 Owen Avenue.
Mr. Borgman reported that the Zoning, Planning and Code Enforcement Committee no longer wants houses subdivided by special exception and will officially notify the Zoning Hearing Board of their intent.
Mr. Borgman reported that Mary Lou Jennings has been reappointed to the Tree Advisory Board.
Mr. Borgman stated that the next Zoning, Planning and Code Enforcement Committee meeting will be held on May 10th, 7:00 PM. The April meeting is cancelled.

G. Parks and Recreation - Mr. Lee reported that a special meeting was held to discuss the different issues surrounding Interboro Park. The Recreation and Park Board is suggesting that other amenities be investigated for the park instead of installing another toy and Mr. Lee wants input from Borough Council regarding this
Mr. Lee reported that installing handicapped accessible restrooms at Hoffman Park is being discussed as well as establishing a dog park in Marlyn Park.
Mr. Lee reported that the multi-municipal open space group will be meeting on March 17th, 7:00 PM at Borough Hall.
Mr. Lee stated that the next Parks and Recreation Committee meeting will be held on April 19th. The next Recreation and Park Board meeting will be held on March 21st, 7:00 PM.
After some discussion regarding Interboro Park issues, it was the consensus of Borough Council to support the suggested changes.

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

Visitors

Len Wert 221 N. Lansdowne Avenue - Dr. Wert thanked Mr. Borgman for his efforts in addressing the cleanup of blighted areas in the Borough.

Helen Bowes - As President of the Friends of the Lansdowne Public Library, Ms. Bowes invited residents to become members of the library as well as joining the Friends of the Library and will be bringing library cards and forms to the next General Council meeting.

Edith Bassie 70 Sayers Avenue - Mrs. Bassie stated that traffic along Sayers Avenue is bad and asked if additional stop signs could be placed there.
Mrs. Bassie stated that if anyone is interested in procuring tenants in Lansdowne, they should call the foreign student registration unit at the University of Pennsylvania.

Charlie Jeffers 13 Willowbrook Avenue - Mr. Jeffers stated that too much trash is evident along Baltimore Avenue and urged residents to pick up whatever litter they could.

Lee Jones 304 Congress Avenue - Mr. Jones stated his appreciation for Lansdowne being a No Place For Hate community.

John Callaghan 13 W. Greenwood Avenue - Mr. Callaghan asked if the Borough had received the bond issue. Mr. Smith stated that a $1.2 million ten year loan, not a bond, had been taken out last year with a variable rate currently under 4%. President Wayne reiterated that this matter had been publicly discussed several times at Borough Council meetings and had been advertised before the ordinance was discussed and passed.
Mr. Callaghan expressed his concern about the many Borough applications for grants and loans. President Wayne stated that this is a concern due to Government cut backs but that the recently received grants do not impact Borough operations, they are intended only for planning purposes.

Maggie Myers 531 Hilldale Road - Ms. Myers suggested having a spring No Place For Hate event for young people in the Borough so that different cultures and races could be introduced. Mayor Young and Ms. Hill stated this was an excellent idea and will look into the matter.

Joe Heath 55 W. Greenwood Avenue - Mr. Heath asked why sanitation workers were picking up trash at night, citing that this was a safety concern.
Mr. Heath suggested putting up signs to discourage parking along Windermere Avenue.
Mr. Heath asked if a table could be put next the copy machine in the library. Ms. Hill stated she would get a table for that area.

Jim Murphy 266 W. Greenwood Avenue - Mr. Murphy stated he was encouraged to hear Mayor Young state that the code officers harass residents. Mayor Young stated that Mr. Murphy knew what she meant and was very disappointed that he would take her comment completely out of context.

Borough Council's Response to Visitors: Mr. Smith thanked Mr. Borgman and his Committee for their excellent efforts regarding code enforcement in the Borough, citing that property values had significantly risen during the past several years.

Mr. Lee moved to Reinstate the Rules of Order. Ms. Coleman seconded and the motion carried unanimously.

Old Business - None.

New Business - Mr. Smith moved to approve Resolution No. 2005-08, a resolution to destroy certain records. Mrs. Fryer seconded and the motion carried unanimously.
Mr. Borgman moved to reappoint Mary Lou Jennings to the Tree Advisory Board for a three year term expiring on 4/30/08. Mr. Lee seconded and the motion carried unanimously.
Ms. Hill moved to reappoint Marie Campuzano to the Library Board for a three year term expiring on 3/312/08. Mr. Smith seconded and the motion carried unanimously.
Ms. Hill moved to reappoint Donald Fry to the Library Board for a three year term expiring on 3/31/08. Mrs. Fryer seconded and the motion carried unanimously
Mrs. Fryer moved to adopt Ordinance 1205, an ordinance providing for the regulation and management of storm water. Mr. Smith seconded and the motion carried unanimously.
Mr. Smith moved to refund the Lansdowne Swim Club $6,535.97 in sewage fees for the years 2002 through 2004. Mrs. Fryer seconded and the motion carried unanimously.
Mr. Smith moved to adjust the 2005 sewage fee for 32 Schappet Terrace to $175.00. Mrs. Fryer seconded and the motion carried unanimously.
Mr. Borgman moved to deny the application to the Zoning Hearing Board for special exception for 36 Runnemede Avenue that includes Borough Council's opposition to adding an additional unit to this multi family home. Mr. Smith seconded and the motion carried unanimously.
Mr. Borgman moved to oppose the application to the Zoning Hearing Board for a 7 foot setback at 38 E. Stratford Avenue. Mr. Lee seconded and a roll call vote was taken. The motion carried 4-3 with President Wayne, Mrs. Fryer, Mr. Lee and Ms. Coleman voting 'aye' and Mr. Borgman, Mr. Smith and Ms. Hill voting 'nay'.
Mr. Borgman moved to advertise Ordinance 1206 to amend the purpose of the Tree Advisory Board. Mr. Lee seconded and the motion carried unanimously.
Ms. Coleman moved to contribute $1,000.00 to the Lansdowne Folk Club as public support of the arts. Mr. Lee seconded and the motion carried unanimously.

Communications - Letter from Senior Community Services thanking Borough Council for their contribution of $500.00.

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

Executive Session - Mr. Lee moved to adjourn to Executive Session to discuss one litigation item. Mr. Smith seconded and the motion carried unanimously. The meeting adjourned at 9:25 PM.

There were no motions made upon reconvening to Public Session. Mr. Smith moved to adjourn the meeting, seconded by Mr. Borgman. The motion carried unanimously and the meeting adjourned at 9:40 PM.

Respectfully submitted,
Barbara Ann Henry
Borough Secretary

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