Lansdowne Borough Council General Meeting
Wednesday, November 16, 2005

Executive Session: Mr. Smith moved to convene to Executive Session before the public General Meeting to discuss 2006 budget personnel and contractual issues. Mr. Lee seconded and the motion carried unanimously. Mrs. Fryer moved to reconvene to Public Session. Ms. Coleman seconded and the motion carried unanimously.

The Lansdowne Borough Council General Meeting was held on Wednesday, November 16, 2005, 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 Engineer Bevilacqua, Borough Manager Forrest, Borough Treasurer Asciutto and Borough Secretary Henry. Borough Solicitor Scott and Police Chief Kortan were absent.

President Wayne announced that Executive Session personnel and contractual issues regarding the 2006 budget were discussed prior to tonight's public meeting.

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

Minutes — Mr. Smith moved to approve the minutes of the October 19, 2005 Borough Council General Meeting as submitted by the Secretary. Ms. Coleman seconded and the motion carried unanimously.

Announcements and Presentations

Mayor's Report — Mayor Young introduced Dixie Teaford, Director of the Friendship Circle Senior Center. Ms. Teaford presented an overview of the various services provided and mentioned that drivers are needed for their Meals On Wheels program. Ms. Coleman introduced Gary Chilutti, the newly hired Main Street Manager. Mr. Chilutti gave a brief overview of his mission and role, stating that a four point approach is being taken regarding economic development within the Borough: organization, design, promotion and economic restructuring.

Mayor Young announced that leaf pickup is the alternate day from the recycling day for each route.

Mayor Young reminded residents not to park in front of the recycling igloos and there is a $1,000.00 illegal dumping fine. Mayor Young announced that the first meeting for the sister city project was held last week. The next meeting will be held on December 1st, 7:30 p.m. Mayor Young announced the next No Place For Hate meeting: November 22nd.

Treasurer's Report — Mr. Asciutto gave the Treasurer's report for November: total General Fund revenues were $150,314.21; total General Fund expenditures were $605,743.35. Total ending balance for all funds was $9,238,709.49. Total amounts expended year to date in the Capital Reserves Fund was $280,663.98. Beginning balance in the Police Pension Fund was $5,555,950.54 and the ending balance was $5,672,167.15.

Engineer's Report — Mr. Bevilacqua stated his items would be discussed under Committee reports.

Solicitor's Report — There was no report given in Mr. Scott's absence.

COMMITTEE REPORTS

A. President's Report — President Wayne had no formal report.

B. Economic Development — Ms. Coleman welcomed Gary Chilutti and stated she had met with him on November 3rd to see how his efforts can be supported. Ms. Coleman stated that the next Economic Development Committee meeting will be held on November 22nd.

C. Finance and Administration — Mr. Smith reiterated that 2006 budget contractual and personnel issues were discussed in Executive Session before the public meeting tonight. Mr. Smith stated that approximately 44% of the budget is police related.

Mr. Smith stated that health insurance is also being discussed and he will be meeting with health insurance vendors later this week.

Mr. Smith stated that if the motion to advertise the proposed 2006 budget is tabled tonight, a special meeting will possibly be held on November 21st to further discuss the various issues.

Mr. Smith stated that the next Finance and Administration Committee meeting will be held on December 5th at 7:00 p.m.

Mr. Smith expressed his concern about the low voter turnout (24%) in the recent elections. Mr. Smith stated that the next Planning Commission meeting will be held on December 10 at 7:00 p.m.

President Wayne reiterated for the viewing public that personnel and contractual issues regarding the 2006 budget must be discussed in Executive Session.

D. Municipal Services — Mrs. Fryer gave the Recycling Report for October, 2005:

Mrs. Fryer stated that the next Municipal Services Committee meeting will be held on December 5th.

Mrs. Fryer reported a beginning date of November 28th for the Stewart Field project and a late February, 2006 beginning date for the Stewart Avenue Sewer project.

E. Public Safety — Ms. Hill gave the Police Report for October: 519 incidents; the Fire Company report listed 55 alarms with one injury. Ms. Hill mentioned that there are now 10 new cadets in the Fire Department.

Ms. Hill reported that cross traffic signs have been installed at Mansfield and Greenwood Avenues and also at Mansfield and Essex Avenues.

Ms. Hill stated that there may be a minimal offer for the old ladder truck.

Ms. Hill stated that Mayor Young will be looking into funding regarding the proposed light for Highland and Baltimore Avenues that will be activated by the Fire Company when an emergency situation occurs.

Ms. Hill stated that fire hydrants will be installed at Scottdale Road and Baltimore Avenue and Eldon Avenue and Burmont Road.

Ms. Hill stated that any residents interested in establishing a Neighborhood Watch organization should contact Chief Kortan.

F. Zoning, Planning and Code Enforcement — Mr. Borgman reported that a letter has been received by the Tax Claims Bureau regarding delinquent taxes for 231 N. Lansdowne Avenue and a sheriff sale may be imminent in 2006.

Mr. Borgman reported that the November 14th Zoning Hearing Board meeting regarding 160 E. Plumstead Avenue has been continued for more information to be brought before the Board.

Mr. Borgman reported that 35 trees have been planted throughout the Borough and thanked all the volunteers involved in the effort. An additional fifty trees will be applied for next year.

Mr. Borgman stated that the Zoning Revision Task Force is making progress in zoning changes suggested by the Comprehensive Plan.

Mr. Borgman stated that the next Zoning, Planning and Code Enforcement Committee meeting will be held on November 22nd at 6:30 p.m.

G. Parks and Recreation — Mr. Lee reported that bids are out for a new fence at Reservoir Park.

Mr. Lee stated that the next Parks and Recreation Committee meeting will be held on November 17th.

Mr. Lee stated that the Multi Municipal Parks and Open Space Plan open house and presentation will be held on December 1st at Pennwood West, 121 Summit Avenue in Darby. Open House is 6-7 p.m. and presentation is at 7-9 p.m.

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

Visitors

James Jackson 88 S. Wycombe Avenue — Mr. Jackson asked if the neighborhood revitalization meeting is part of the Main Street redevelopment. President Wayne stated that they are independent of one another.

Mr. Jackson stated that he wants the School Board to address the issue of illegal students attending PennWood High. Mr. Jackson stated that only 6 adults and 2 children attended the last School Board meeting and no press coverage was given.

Kathleen Yandell 30 E. Greenwood Avenue — Ms. Yandell stated that there is excessive speeding on E. Greenwood Avenue, particularly between Lansdowne and Highland Avenues.

Ms. Yandell asked if a speed trailer could be placed at that site and if a police officer could be present on the corner. Ms. Hill stated that she would pass this issue on to Chief Kortan and discuss it at the next Public Safety Committee meeting.

Jack Covert 232 Jackson Avenue — Mr. Covert stated that the Lansdowne Symphony Orchestra will hold their Youth Concert on December 4th.

Mr. Covert stated that an abandoned vehicle is under the no parking signs at the high school and that the lights there are still hard to see. He asked that the light be raised so that the school buses cannot block it.

Mr. Covert mentioned that no flags were present on Borough poles on Veterans Day. Mr. Smith stated that since it was a Borough holiday, no one was available to take care of it. Mr. Covert asked if the Main Street Manager presentation and 2006 budget will be put on the Borough web site. President Wayne stated that after approval the budget will be available on the Web. Copies will be available after advertising.

Mr. Covert asked that privatizing of trash collection not be considered.

Charlie Jeffers 13 Willowbrook Avenue — Mr. Jeffers stated that Veterans Day is not a holiday but rather a remembrance.

Mr. Jeffers stated that no trash cans are available along Lansdowne Avenue.

Mr. Jeffers mentioned that the Baltimore/Lansdowne Avenue intersection is dangerous.

Terry Cavanaugh 58 Price Avenue — Ms. Cavanaugh asked for confirmation that Plumbing Inspector McCall had been replaced. Mr. Forrest stated that no funds were budgeted for a plumbing inspector and this work as of last year has been done by the Codes Department. Mr. Forrest acknowledged the oversight in not informing Mr. McCall of this decision.

Michael Marcavage 62 E. Stewart Avenue — Mr. Marcavage asked why Borough Council was continuing to endorse a homosexual agenda. Mr. Marcavage then read various scripture passages regarding the topic. Mr. Marcavage asked where budget money was coming from to support the No Place For Hate concept and asked for the definition of a No Place For Hate community. President Wayne stated that the budget question will be looked into and that the Borough endorses a program of acceptance for all residents. Mr. Marcavage asked if the Borough by virtue of this acceptance policy also accepts pedophiles into Lansdowne. Mr. Marcavage stated that many Borough workers do not live in Lansdowne and asked for the reason. President Wayne stated that all Borough Council members who dictate Borough policy are Lansdowne residents and that Borough staff members do not have to live in Lansdowne. Also, when openings are available, the best qualified candidates are sought regardless of their place of residence.

Mr. Marcavage questioned the rental inspection program and asked for a fee breakdown. President Wayne stated that since this issue is a subject of a lawsuit between Mr. Marcavage and the Borough, he would not discuss the matter.

Mr. Marcavage asked how a community group can be included on the Borough's web site. President Wayne suggested that Mr. Marcavage send his request to the Mayor and an evaluation will then be made.

Anthony Campuzano 40 W. Albemarle Avenue — Mr. Campuzano in his capacity as Chair of the Lansdowne Democratic Party congratulated all those who won in the recent election and stated that the new Borough Council members coming in would be doing a fine job and had many good ideas for the Borough. Mr. Campuzano also thanked all residents who voted.

Mr. Campuzano stated that the annual Gift Givers Program would run from November 25th through December 21st and asked for support. Donations of new unwrapped toys and gifts for seniors and children can be dropped off at either Borough Hall or the Lansdowne Library.

Jim Murphy 266 W. Greenwood Avenue - Mr. Murphy read a letter thanking the Lansdowne residents for voting and congratulated Mayor Young on her re-election.

Borough Council comments to Visitors: Mr. Lee stated that it is unfortunate that the Bible is used by various individuals at various times to justify slavery, abuse of women and discrimination. Mr. Lee mentioned that it is interesting that the person who came before Borough Council tonight suggesting that pedophiles are being invited into Lansdowne is the same person who lent his support to someone up on charges of attempted child sexual abduction and rape by putting his house up as collateral for bail. The matter was reported on by Steven White for a West Chester newspaper. Mr. Lee stated that Lansdowne has been very welcoming to everyone, that Lansdowne's strength lies in its diversity and the ignorance of a few who have their own agenda should be ignored.

Ms. Hill stated that as a minority woman she is a very proud member of No Place For Hate and chose to serve as a Borough Council member because she knows how wonderful Lansdowne is as a community.

Ms. Coleman echoed Ms. Hill's comments and stated she is appalled that anyone would come before Borough Council to express their hatred of any particular individual or group.

Mr. Smith moved to reinstate the Rules of Order. Mrs. Fryer 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. Smith moved to approve Resolution No. 2005-19, regarding solicitation of Proposals for 2006 Tax Anticipation Note. Ms. Hill seconded and the motion carried unanimously.

Executive Session — Ms. Hill moved to adjourn to Executive Session to discuss 2006 budget contractual and personnel issues. Ms. Coleman seconded and the motion carried unanimously. The meeting adjourned to Executive Session at 9:12 p.m.

Upon reconvening to Public Session, the following motion was made:
Mr. Smith moved to advertise the proposed 2006 budget at a public meeting to be held on November 21st at 6:00 p.m. Mrs. Fryer seconded and the motion carried unanimously.

Mr. Smith moved to adjourn the meeting, seconded by Mr. Lee. The motion carried unanimously and the meeting adjourned at 10:21 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Barbara Ann Henry
Borough Secretary