Lansdowne Borough Council General Meeting
Wednesday, September 21, 2005

The Lansdowne Borough Council General Meeting was held on Wednesday, September 21, 2005, 7:30 PM in Borough Hall. Present were President Wayne, Mrs. Fryer, Mr. Borgman, Ms. Coleman, Ms. Hill and Mr. Smith. Also in attendance were Mayor Young, Borough Solicitor Scott, Borough Manager Forrest, Borough Secretary Henry and Borough Treasurer Asciutto. Mr. Lee, Mr. Bevilacqua, Chief Kortan and Chief Young were absent.

President Wayne stated that the meeting was being taped by Comcast and will be shown on September 26th at 7:00 PM on Channel 10.

Minutes - Mr. Smith moved to approve the minutes of the August 17, 2005 Borough Council General Meeting as submitted by the Secretary. Ms. Hill seconded and the motion carried unanimously.

Announcements and Presentations

Mayor's Report - Mayor Young introduced Army serviceman Tim Jones who presented an authentic Iraqi ballot to the Mayor and Borough Council.
Mayor Young introduced Clare Touey asked for town wide support for her proposed project for Hurricane Katrina/Rita victims. This project involves adopting a sister city to help rebuild cities in Louisiana, Alabama and Mississippi.
Mayor Young presented a certificate of recognition to Christopher Mooney who recently saved the life of his neighbor by alerting the fire company when the neighbor failed to hear his smoke alarm.
Mayor Young proclaimed September as Lansdowne Symphony month and recognized Jack Covert and various members of the Orchestra. The Orchestra is celebrating its 60th anniversary this year.
Mayor Young presented Daniel Simpson with a placque naming him as the new Lansdowne Poet Laureate for 2005-2007.

Mayor Young gave the following calendar items:

• 09/04 - Park Day in Hoffman Park, 1-5 p.m.
• 09/29 - Folk Club
• 10/01 - Harvest Tea at Simpson Gardens with sittings at 1:00 and 3:30 p.m.
• 10/12 - LBPA meeting, 6:00 p.m. at the Pearl Chinese restaurant
• 10/27 - Folk Club - The Kennedys
• 10/30 - LSO Halloween Concert, 3:00 p.m.
• 10/14-10/30 - Celebration Theater's presentation of "Rope".

Mayor Young announced that Meals on Wheels is desperate for volunteers.
Mayor Young announced a new business in Lansdowne: Jasco Gems, an apparel and accessories boutique for women.

Treasurer's Report - Mr. Asciutto gave the Treasurer's report for September: total General Fund revenues were $134,345.13; total General Fund expenditures were $390,257.34. Total beginning balance for all funds was $10,358,704.44 and the total ending balance of all funds was $10,057,283.46.
Mr. Asciutto reported an beginning balance of $5,562,640.54 for the Police Pension Fund and an ending balance of $5,555,950.54.
Mr. Asciutto reported a beginning balance of $741,121.09 for the Non-Uniform Pension Plan and an ending balance of $742,113.62.
Mr. Asciutto reported total revenues of $2,641.84 and total expenditures of $10,351.22 in the Capital Reserves Fund.
Mr. Smith moved to accept the Treasurer's Report. Ms. Coleman seconded and the motion carried unanimously.

Engineer's Report - There was no formal report given in Mr. Bevilacqua's absence.

Solicitor's Report - Mr. Scott had Executive Session items.

COMMITTEE REPORTS

A. President's Report - President Wayne reported for Mr. Lee as follows:

1. Work has begun for the planting of trees to be received in October.
2. The Recreation and Parks Board currently has two vacancies.
3. President Wayne stated that public comments will be held later in the meeting for the Master Site Plan for Hoffman Park.

B. Economic Development - Ms. Coleman stated that the new Main Street managers will be introduced at the next meeting of the LBPA.
Ms. Coleman reported that the Neighborhood Revitalization Strategy proposal has been approved by Yeadon. A Steering Committee has been formed for this plan and the kickoff meeting will be held in October.
Ms. Coleman reported that the Economic Development Committee has completed their priority list and is looking into funding options for those projects. The priority list will be presented to Governor Rendell at a future date.

C. Finance and Administration - Mr. Smith reported that the MMO for pension funding in 2006 has increased by approximately $167,000.
Mr. Smith reported that at the last F&A Committee meeting, finalizations for the lease agreement with Celebration Theater was discussed as well as the William Penn School District's delinquent tax initiative. In addition, the budget process for 2006 has begun.
Mr. Smith stated that four budget meetings, which will be publicly advertised, have been scheduled for 9/28, 10/3, 10/12 and 10/26, all at 6:00 p.m in Borough Hall. Mr. Smith stated that the budget process will be more involved this year due to rising fuel and energy costs, factors surrounding our current negotiations for a new police department contract and capital project needs for the Borough.
Mr. Smith reported that he will be forwarding the loss history information to prospective workers compensation insurance carriers for obtaining pricing for the January 1st renewals.
Mr. Smith reported that the Lansdowne Planning Commission met on September 8th. At this meeting Chris Patton was selected as the new Planning Commission Chair and Bob Bartman as the Vice Chair to replace departing Chair Peter Driscoll. The next scheduled meeting of the Planning Commission will be October 13th.

D. Municipal Services - Mrs. Fryer gave the Recycling Report for August, 2005:

• Newspapers - 32.81 tons
• Cans - 1.78 tons
• Glass - 2.49 tonsYear to date totals: $7,784.00

Mrs. Fryer reported that the 2005 Road Program is complete.
Mrs. Fryer reported that contracts have been received for the James T. Stewart Field project with work to start in November. A. Garguile & Sons was the low bidder for $298,820.00.
Mr. Borgman asked if more recycling is being done now than in the past. Mrs. Fryer stated she would look into the matter.

E. Public Safety - Ms. Hill reported the following issues discussed at the last Public Safety Committee meeting:

1. Stop sign at Scottdale Road at the bottom of the lane coming from the train station.
2. Additional lighting at Burmont and Shadeland Avenues and N. Maple Avenue and E. Marshall Road.

Ms. Hill reported that the Borough's emergency plan has been reviewed by her Committee and the plan has been found to be in good order. Points of note are first responders and commander determinations, an emergency operating center and a "911 Card Notification Report". Ms. Hill stated that this form will assist residents with special needs in the case of an emergency situation.
Ms. Hill gave the Police Report for August: 589 incidents.
Ms. Hill gave the Fire Company report for August: 45 alarms, 21 hours, 54 minutes time in service, $40,000.00 total loss and damage. Ms. Hill stated that volunteer fireman Dwayne Hollingsworth is now completing a 30 day commitment in New Orleans.
Mr. Borgman stated that a new emergency coordinator will be needed by the end of the year to replace Mrs. Fryer. Mr. Borgman asked that the Public Safety Committee include in the document specific contact information and their various roles.

F. Zoning, Planning and Code Enforcement - Mr. Borgman reported that at the September 13th Committee meeting, a representative of the Community Action Agency of Delaware County presented their proposal for purchasing and rehabbing Lansdowne properties. Their proposed development is in line with the Borough's joint Comprehensive Plan.
Mr. Borgman stated that the final draft of the joint Comprehensive Plan will be reviewed at the Committee's October meeting.
Mr. Borgman reported that other topics discussed at last month's Committee included: (1) the zoning application for 85 N. Lansdowne Avenue, (2) the need to limiting the appeal time for violations. Mr. Borgman stated he was interested in hearing the recommended policies and procedures previously discussed among Mr. Scott, Mr. Forrest and Mr. Nupp regarding establishing a policy to eliminate the problem of tax delinquent properties not going to sheriff sale.
Mr. Borgman stated that 50 trees are expected for planting in the Borough by the end of October.
Mr. Borgman stated that the next Zoning, Planning and Code Enforcement Committee will be held on October 11th, 7:00 p.m. in Borough Hall.
Mr. Smith asked that Pete Driscoll be recognized at a future general meeting before his departure.

G. Parks and Recreation - There was no formal report given in Mr. Lee's absence.

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

Visitors

The visitors section was divided into two parts: (1) public comment on the master site plan, and (2) general visitors section.

I. Public Comments on Master Site Plan application to be submitted to the Dept. Of Conservation and Natural Resources for Hoffman Park:
Mr. Borgman stated that he thought the application was to be left open regarding the designation for a park and that he was unaware of Hoffman Park being chosen. Mr. Forrest stated that DCNR requirements deemed that a particular park now had to be designated.

Jack Covert 232 Jackson Avenue - Mr. Covert asked if this plan would alter Lansdowne's use of the park by opening it to those living outside Lansdowne. President Wayne stated that the Borough's parks are not restricted for use only by Borough residents. Mr. Covert expressed his concern that Lansdowne might lose its autonomy over the park if funding is obtained by outside sources and asked if someone could further investigate any possibility of this happening. President Wayne stated he would have someone look into this matter.

II. General Visitors' Comments:

Joe Heath 55 W. Greenwood Avenue - Mr. Heath asked if an ordinance exists for the condition and accessibility of sidewalks and is it enforced. President Wayne stated that the ordinance exists and is enforced when a property is sold. Mr. Heath stated that the south side of W. Stewart Avenue between Owen and Lansdowne Avenues and the north side of W. Greenwood Avenue between Owen and Windermere Avenues needs to be investigated.
Mr. Heath asked if an ordinance was necessary for placing "cross traffic does not stop" signs in the Borough. Mrs. Fryer stated that no ordinance is necessary and these signs had been placed for safety issues.
Mr. Heath stated that the intersection of Owen and W. Greenwood Avenue is a problem due to frequent stop sign violations.
Mr. Heath stated that the curb line in front of the bank building is weed infested.

Mr. Covert 232 Jackson Avenue - Mr. Covert stated that the Lansdowne Symphony Orchestra has a family plan and a Youth Concert is planned for May. Comcast may televise one concert and "The Messiah" will be performed at St. Dennis' Church in Havertown some time in December.
Mr. Covert stated that some individuals are not obeying the "no parking" signs by the high school.
Mr. Covert expressed his hope that the new Main Street manager will help with supporting the business community in Lansdowne.

Marie deYoung 4 Owen Avenue - Reverend deYoung thanked the police for their immediate response to a domestic dispute.
Reverend deYoung suggested that the Borough emergency plan be tested with a dry run and that prior armed services residents be retained as volunteers due to their past experience in emergency procedures.

Edith Bassie 70 Sayers Avenue - Mrs. Bassie offered her help with translating court documents should such a need ever arise.

Jim Murphy 266 W. Greenwood Avenue - Mr. Murphy again brought up the issue of 2003 taxes and mentioned a recent Leader article endorsing Dale Nupp's candidacy for Tax Collector. Mr. Murphy stated that a neighbor had mentioned a problem with her past owed taxes to former Lansdowne resident Dick Daisley. Mr. Murphy then passed out insufficient copies of related materials. Mr. Murphy continued his verbal harangue of the Tax Collector and requested an investigation by the District Attorney. President Wayne told Mr. Murphy that he had used up his allotted time limit but Mr. Murphy disregarded him and stated that President Wayne was arrogant and did not care about Lansdowne residents. President Wayne then read the September 2, 2005 letter from Dale Nupp to Joe Otto that specifically requests the removal of the property from the sheriff sale list. President Wayne stated that Borough Council will discuss whether an audit of the Tax Collector's records is necessary

James Burrows 104 W. Essex Avenue - Mr. Burrows asked for a contact at Wachovia Bank to verify the 2003 tax payment problems that he brought up the general meeting 3 months ago. Mr. Burrows again brought up his problem in 2003 and stated that the conduct of Borough Council is questionable for aligning with the Tax Collector. President Wayne stated that errors occur and that Mr. Nupp had corrected the tax errors in 2003.

Charlie Jeffers 13 Willowbrook Avenue - Mr. Jeffers stated that the Borough does not need a show of politics or racism right now given the unfortunate current events of the hurricane victims and that we should all help each other.
Mr. Jeffers stated that debris and weeds are a problem in various locations throughout the Borough.
Mr. Jeffers mentioned the Delaware County Memorial Hospital October 8th 5K Cancer Walk.

Pam Detrixhe 74 E. Stewart Avenue - Ms. Detrixhe asked the status of the domestic partner ordinance. President Wayne stated that the ordinance has been discussed but not specifically proposed for Lansdowne Borough. President Wayne stated that introducing the legislation would depend upon the will of Borough Council members.

Anthony Campuzano 40 W. Albemarle Avenue - In his capacity as Chair of the Lansdowne Democratic Committee, Mr. Campuzano thanked all the volunteers who made the Arts Festival a success. Mr. Campuzano stated that public events are for community issues, not politics.
Mr. Campuzano stated that the Borough had received more money in a more timely manner than ever while Dale Nupp has been the Tax Collector. Mr. Campuzano stated that Mr. Nupp is a hard worker and that errors will occur given the large amount of residents and dealings with the County, School District and Borough. Mr. Campuzano stated that Mr. Nupp has been a long time Lansdowne resident and cares very much for this town and its people.
Mr. Campuzano stated that volunteers would be welcome for the upcoming Park Day.

Steven Wagner 19 Mansfield Road - Mr. Wagner acknowledged Mr. Campuzano's defense of Mr. Nupp. Mr. Wagner stated that Borough Council respectfully listens to the concerns of residents and has fostered an environment for helping people and solving problems in a supportive manner. He thanked Borough Council and the majority of the audience for working within the parameters of civility.

Borough Council comments to Visitors: Mayor Young stated that she has never found Mr. Nupp to be insensitive or unhelpful in his dealings with taxpayers and finds it very hard to believe that he would ever have called anyone a disparaging name.

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

Old Business - None.

Communications - None.

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

New Business - Mr. Borgman moved to adopt Ordinance No. 1207, an Ordinance of the Borough of Lansdowne establishing and adopting a revised property maintenance code. Ms. Coleman seconded and a roll call vote was taken. The motion carried unanimously.

Mrs. Fryer moved to award Contract No. 115, Stewart Avenue Sewer Replacement to A. Gargiule & Sons, Inc. In an amount not to exceed $298,820.00. Ms. Coleman seconded and the motion carried unanimously.

Ms. Hill moved to approve resolution 2005-16, a resolution of the Borough of Lansdowne of Delaware County, making application to the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, for the development of master site plans. Ms. Coleman seconded and a roll call vote was taken. The motion carried 4-2 with Mrs. Fryer and Mr. Borgman voting "nay".

Mr. Smith moved to accept the 2006 Minimum Municipal Obligation (MMO) for the police and non-uniformed pension plans. Mr. Borgman seconded and the motion carried unanimously.

Mrs. Fryer moved to approve Resolution 2005-17, A Resolution of the Borough of Lansdowne regarding the three year Master Casting Agreement between the Borough and PENNDOT. Mr. Borgman seconded and the motion carried unanimously.

Executive Session - Mrs. Fryer moved to adjourn to Executive Session to discuss a litigation issue, seconded by Ms. Coleman. The motion carried unanimously and the meeting adjourned to executive session at 9:45 P.M.

There were no motions made upon reconvening to Public Session.

Mr. Smith moved to adjourn the meeting, seconded by Mrs. Fryer. The motion carried unanimously and the meeting adjourned at 10:05 P.M.

Respectfully submitted,

Barbara Ann Henry
Borough Secretary