Lansdowne Borough Council Business Meeting
Wednesday - November 2, 2005
The Lansdowne Borough Council Business Meeting was held on Wednesday, November 2, 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 Solicitor Scott, Borough Manager Forrest, Borough Engineer Bevilacqua, Borough Treasurer Asciutto, Borough Secretary Henry, Police Chief Kortan and Fire Company President Jay Young.
Minutes - Mr. Borgman moved to approve the minutes of the October 5, 2005 Borough Council Business meeting. Mr. Lee seconded and the motion carried with one abstention by Mrs. Fryer.
Mr. Smith moved to suspend the Rules of Order, seconded by Mr. Lee. The motion carried unanimously.
Visitors - None.
Mr. Smith moved to reinstate the Rules of Order, seconded by Mr. Lee. The motion carried unanimously.
COMMITTEE REPORTS AND DISCUSSIONS
A. Borough Treasurer - Mr. Asciutto had no formal report.
B. Borough Engineer - Mr. Bevilacqua reported on the following projects:
- 2005 Road Program - The contractor is requesting a final payment of $3,959.75.
- Stewart Field sewer project - On schedule for mid-November.
- Stewart Avenue sewer project - Work to begin February/March 2006.
C. Borough Solicitor - Mr. Scott had no formal report.
D. Borough Manager - Mr. Forrest reported that a $100,000.00 Renaissance Program grant
has been received in connection with converting multi family properties
to single residence properties in the revitalization area of the Borough.
Mr. Forrest stated that the Borough did not receive the grant for the
Master Site Plan for Hoffman Park and other participating
municipalities. The application deadline to reapply is
January, 2006.
E. Police Chief - Chief Kortan had no formal report.
F. Fire Chief - Fire Company President Young had no formal report.
G. Mayor Young - Mayor Young stated that a meeting will be held on November 10th
regarding Clare Touey's proposal to adopt a sister city in Mississippi.
Mayor Young asked if the upcoming election results could be posted on
the Borough's web site. Mr. Scott stated this could be done as long as a disclaimer was evident stating that
the results have not been certified by the County.
H. President Wayne - President Wayne stated that Senior Community Services is requesting a $2,000.00 contribution. Mr. Smith stated he would refer this to the Budget Committee.
I. Municipal Services - Mrs. Fryer had no formal report.
J. Finance and Administration - Mr. Smith stated that the next 2006 budget meeting
will be held on November 7th at 7:00 P.M. Some topics for discussion
will include insurance costs and the police negotiations. Mr. Smith
stated that he is awaiting a renewal quote from a vendor regarding the
workers' compensation insurance. Mr. Smith stated that the Borough
could get into the State insurance pool if a private insurer cannot be
procured.
Mr. Forrest mentioned that the 2006 budget has to be advertised on
November 21st. Mr. Scott stated that any revisions can be made 10 days
after the initial advertising and the budget needs to be finalized by
December 31st.
K. Zoning, Planning and Code Enforcement - Mr. Borgman reported that a Codes Department meeting was held to develop a strategy for those not responding to code violation citations.
Mr. Borgman reported that a letter has been sent to the County Tax
Claims Bureau regarding 231 N. Lansdowne Avenue.
Mr. Borgman reported that a Zoning Hearing Board meeting will be held
on November 14th, 7:30 P.M. regarding 160 E. Plumstead Avenue.
Mr. Borgman reported that the Borough will now be receiving crabapple
and cherry trees instead of the previously hoped for species. The Tree
Advisory Board has completed their annual review of Borough trees.
Mr. Borgman stated that the next Zoning, Planning and Code Enforcement
Committee meeting will be held on November 22nd at 6:30 P.M.
L. Public Safety. - Ms. Hill reported that the Renaissance Program public
meeting was well attended. One of the main concerns voiced was the bad
appearance of Union Avenue on the Upper Darby side. Mr. Forrest stated
he would make a contact regarding this matter.
Ms. Hill stated that a resident had received a parking ticket on
Madison Road due to the Septa strike and asked if other parking areas
could be identified for commuter use during the strike. A discussion
followed regarding alternate parking in the Owen Avenue and Highland
Avenue lots and suspending metered parking. Opinion was divided
regarding the ticketing issue and free parking.
Ms. Hill moved to re-direct commuters to the Owen Avenue and Highland
Avenue parking lots and to waive parking fees during the Septa strike.
Mr. Lee seconded and a roll call vote was taken. The motion carried 4-3
with Mrs. Fryer, Mr. Borgman and Mr. Smith voting "nay".
M. Parks and Recreation - Mr. Lee had no formal report.
N. Economic Development - Ms. Coleman reported that the Economic Development Committee met on October 25th. The main focus concerned raising the awareness level for new
businesses by identifying their interests, drafting a welcome letter and
putting new businesses in
touch with the Main Street Manager to learn about the different Borough
services.
Ms. Coleman stated that Gary Chilutti will be attending the November general meeting to talk about his role as the Main Street Manager.
Ms. Coleman reported that the recent Neighborhood Revitalization
Strategy public
meeting on October 27th was well attended. Neighbor input was plentiful
and topics of concern
included lighting, flooding conditions at Interboro Park and assistance
for seniors regarding
home maintenance.
Ms. Coleman stated that the next Economic Development Committee meeting
will be held on November 22nd.
Old Business - President asked if any recommendation has been received regarding the Comprehensive Plan. Mr. Borgman stated he is still awaiting an answer.
New Business - Mr. Smith moved to approve bills for the period. Mr. Borgman seconded and the motion carried unanimously.
Mr. Borgman moved to approve Resolution No. 2005-18, a resolution of
the Borough of Lansdowne establishing a Codes Appeals Board consisting of
three members,
appointing the initial members of the Codes Appeals Board and fixing the
expiration of the terms of such initial members:
- William Yandell - One year
- James Moreland - Two years
- Bill Bowden - Three years
Ms. Coleman seconded and the motion carried unanimously.
Mr. Smith moved to approve tax assessment appeal settlement for 96 East Baltimore Avenue at an assessed value of $120,000.00. Mr. Borgman seconded and the motion carried unanimously.
Executive Session - Mr. Lee moved to adjourn to Executive Session to discuss litigation and personnel issues. Ms. Coleman seconded and the motion carried unanimously. The meeting adjourned to executive session at 8:50 PM.
There were no motions made upon reconvening to Public Session.
Mrs. Fryer moved to adjourn the meeting, seconded by Ms. Coleman. The motion carried unanimously and the meeting adjourned at 9:17 P.M.
Respectfully submitted,
Barbara Ann Henry
Borough Secretary
