Borough of Lansdowne Adjourned Reorganization/Business Meeting - Tuesday - January 8, 2008

The Lansdowne Borough Council reconvened the January 7, 2008 reorganization meeting on Tuesday, January 8, 2008 at 7:30 PM. Present were President Wayne, Ms. Coleman, Mr. Lee, Ms. Lustgarten, Ms. Silzle, Mr. Urban, and Mr. Wagner. Mayor Young arrived later due to a prior meeting. Also present were Borough Secretary Henry and Borough Manager Totaro. Interim Borough Treasurer Smith, Borough Engineer Bevilacqua, Police Chief Kortan and Fire Chief Young were absent.

Agenda:

President Wayne asked that action item #11 regarding the conduct of Council business be discussed now before visitors are heard and that action items 2-10 be acted on before the organization discussion and after visitors. Action items 1, 12 and13 will be acted on at the end of the meeting.

Ms. Coleman moved to adopt Resolution 2008-2, relating to the conduct of Council Business. Ms. Lustgarten seconded and the motion carried unanimously. President Wayne explained that two changes were being made from the 2006 resolution relating to same: (1) agenda items will still be discussed even if not received by the previous Friday, and (2) "o;unless they interfere with the efficient operation of Council" language has been removed regarding Roberts Rules, as these rules exist specifically to allow for the efficient operation of a body while maintaining the minority's ability to express opinions and be heard.

Mr. Urban moved to appoint Dawn Haussler to the Recreation and Park Board, filling a vacant position to a 3 year term expiring 12/31/2010. Mr. Lee seconded and the motion carried unanimously.

Mr. Urban moved to reappoint Michael Mills to the Recreation and Park Board to a three year term expiring 12/31/2010. Mr. Wagner seconded and the motion carried unanimously.

Mr. Urban moved to reappoint Khalil Shearlds to the Recreation and Park Board to a three year term expiring 12/31/2010. Mr. Lee seconded and the motion carried unanimously.

Mr. Urban moved to reappoint Fred Mirarchi to the Recreation and Park Board to a three year term expiring 12/31/2010. Mr. Lee seconded and the motion carried unanimously.

Mr. Wagner moved to reappoint Bertha Phillips to the Board of Health, for a five year term expiring 12/31/2012. Ms. Silzle seconded and the motion carried unanimously.

Ms. Coleman moved to reappoint Michael Schleigh as the Borough's representative to the Darby Creek Joint Sewer Authority for a five year term expiring 12/31/2012. Ms. Lustgarten seconded and the motion carried unanimously.

Ms. Coleman moved to reappoint Jim Klingler to the Zoning Hearing Board for a three year term expiring 12/31/2010. Mr. Lee seconded and the motion carried unanimously.

Ms. Coleman moved to reappoint Vi Curry to the Multi-Unit Conversion Committee for a three year term expiring 12/20/2010. Mr. Lee seconded and the motion carried unanimously.

Ms. Coleman moved to reappoint William Patterson to the Historical and Architectural Review Board (HARB) for a three year term expiring 12/20/2010. Ms. Lustgarten seconded and the motion carried unanimously.

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

VISITORS

Norvi Akorli - Resident of Lansdowne. Ms. Akorli mentioned that the 200 block of Wycombe Avenue was in terrible condition with multiple potholes and questioned the correct procedure for requesting repairs. President Wayne indicated that she should contact the Borough Manager, any Borough Council member or to come to a meeting to make the problem known. It was clarified that the area in question is actually Union Avenue, north of Wycombe running to Marshall Road. Ms. Akorli questioned the $40 parking fee for overnight street parking. President Wayne explained that this is basically a public safety issue wherein streets need to be clear for cleaning or police vehicles checking the validity of an on street parked vehicle. Mr. Scott indicated that it is also creates a disincentive for those who have more cars than can fit in their driveways. Ms. Akorli asked for clarification on the multi unit conversion policy. Ms. Coleman explained that this program is in place to give residents incentives ( maximum $25,000 matching grant per household) to convert multi unit properties back to single family households, provided they remain in the property for 5 years. President Wayne added that the County offers help to first time homebuyers through the Community Action Agency in Media. Ms. Akorli questioned the increase in school taxes. President Wayne suggested that she attend the School Board meetings and voice complaints to the Lansdowne representatives: Jennifer Hoff and Charlotte Hummel.

Ms. Lustgarten moved to reinstate the Rules of Order. Mr. Wagner seconded and the motion carried unanimously.

ORGANIZATION OF BOROUGH GOVERNMENT

President Wayne indicated that after several discussions, going back to the Committee structure would be beneficial for future Borough Council activities. A lengthy discussion followed regarding the 3 documents separately submitted by Mr. Totaro, Mr. Urban and Mr. Wagner regarding Committee structure. The proposed Committees and related issues are as follows:

INFRASTRUCTURE AND PUBLIC WORKS - Mr. Urban questioned what is presently being done to catalogue plans/programs so that future Council members can have ready access without speculation. Mr. Wagner indicated that a status report presented once per year might also be helpful. Ms. Coleman suggested that some type of orientation/index be provided for any given project. President Wayne mentioned that Mr. Totaro could put together an active list to keep in a master binder. President Wayne also indicated that written reports used to be provided every month for each Committee with an annual report given at year's end for each Committee and incorporated into the general meeting minutes.

President Wayne mentioned a 5 year plan for the sewers/roads and the issue of funding it all. Ms. Coleman indicated that engineering estimates for the sewer programs had been problematic and felt that more stringent fiscal responsibility factors should be in place. Mr. Wagner questioned if Lansdowne is compensated for running other municipalities' water through its lines. President Wayne indicated that most of Lansdowne has no downstream regarding storm water flow but Mr. Wagner's suggestion needs investigation. It was suggested that perhaps Mr. Schleigh could attend a council meeting to give a presentation.

PUBLIC SAFETY - Mr. Lee suggested the need for a sign inventory and a better process for replacing Borough signs. Mr. Urban mentioned that highway signage and lights should be elevated, particularly regarding the business district lights on Lansdowne Avenue. Ms. Lustgarten felt that lighting should be increased for pedestrian safety throughout the Borough. Mr. Wagner mentioned that Mr. Forrest had previously done some research on lighting contractors and those findings should be aligned with the new Committee.

ENVIRONMENTAL - Mr. Wagner questioned whether all utility wires are necessary and wanted accountability from utility companies with a possibility of underground wiring. Ms. Coleman felt that certain items should be defined so there is no overlap among Committees. President Wayne indicated that by year's end he would like to have trees planted every 20-50' starting from the Borough Green to Union Avenue and back. Ms. Lustgarten felt that a general beautification program be put in place. Ms. Coleman asked for the status of the ordinance regarding shade tree policies. Mr. Wagner questioned whether there are any code books that are more eco friendly? Mr. Scott indicated the Borough codes books are all state mandated. Mr. Lee mentioned that 'green' certifications can be obtained for new buildings.

FINANCE AND ADMINISTRATION, GRANTS AND SPECIAL PROJECTS - President Wayne mentioned putting in a two year planning timeframe for annual budgets and adding 2009-2010 to this year's budget. President Wayne asked if there was any interest in reopening the current budget. The consensus was no. Mr. Wagner asked to explore options for employee retention. Mr. Lee questioned keeping the 20th Century Club under the auspices of the F&A Committee. Ms. Lustgarten also questioned the issue of Borough buildings and whether they should come under the Infrastructure Committee. Mr. Scott indicated that someone needs to be responsible i.e., a Facilities/Properties Committee. President Wayne suggested folding in other Borough green spaces and having one entity manage the maintenance. Ms. Lustgarten clarified that there had been no resistance from the Park and Recreation Board about doing maintenance as long as there was no expectation to do more without additional money. There was a general consensus that the Park and Recreation Board should be looking more into developing recreational activities rather than being concerned with maintenance issues. Mr. Wagner mentioned his frustration with not receiving responses to his questions by Borough staff, particularly the Codes Department, and asked for more accountability. President Wayne suggested that any action needed should go through Mr. Totaro, who is currently working on a plan to improve customer relations/borough employee issues. Mr. Lee asked to be given a list of all Borough employee phone numbers (including cell phones) and e-mail addresses. Mr. Urban questioned whether all Borough properties would be put under one governing body, citing encroachment/property line issues.

COMMUNICATIONS - Mr. Urban stated the need to add a better system to connect with all Borough community groups and their activities. Mr. Lee mentioned having a public relations program to market Lansdowne through events such as Home Shows, etc. Mr. Wagner suggested holding periodic neighborhood intensive meetings in certain areas of town. President Wayne mentioned Mayor Young's contributions through the Web site and newsletter and suggested marketing the Borough outside the Borough and implementing a TV station for Borough news. Ms. Coleman suggested having various groups come to the televised meetings to inform the Borough about their activities. Ms. Silzle indicated that if not already addressed, she would like to add civic participation under 'policy' and increase volunteer base under 'oversight'.

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT/CODE ENFORCEMENT - President Wayne indicated two key code issues: code administration's attitude toward developers and how quickly problem property issues are resolved. President Wayne felt that code enforcement would be less problematic now than in the past, given the revised building and zoning codes.

INTERGOVERNMENTAL RELATIONS/COOPERATION - Mr. Wagner felt that Septa property maintenance should be added. Ms. Coleman asked that the COG be included as well as 1st Suburbs and the County. Mr. Wagner asked that Joe Sestak's office also be included.

PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD - President Wayne reiterated the need for more versatile recreation items and mentioned the $10,000 youth at risk programs grant that was never utilized for this purpose. Mr. Urban felt the programs were varied and the Board had previously tried to come up with youth at risk programs. President Wayne felt it was important to focus on expanding offered programs to a larger segment of the population. Mayor Young underscored that Borough Council had never prohibited future battle of the band youth dances.

Mayor Young mentioned that the 2009 earmark application deadline is March 30th and that regarding infrastructure, Joe Sestak's office is working on funding a large earmark that will impact sewers in the future.

The discussion then focused on Mr. Urban's additions to the agenda:

1. Hoffman Park - park management issues need to be addressed, such as a new pavilion and concession stand and grants and corporate sponsorship to offset some of the anticipated costs.
2. Movie Theater - There currently is a 5 year conditional U&O. Borough Council will monitor for the present time. Mr. Wagner wants to keep this issue on the table. While President Wayne agrees with the importance of the theater to Lansdowne, it is now in the hands of the Historic Lansdowne Theater Corporation. While supporting their efforts to develop the theater, other avenues for economic development should be pursued by the Borough as well.
3. Liquor Question - will be added to the agenda.
4. Bank Building - will be added to the Economic Development agenda.
5. Main Street Manager - LEDC and economic development issues need to be sorted out.
6. Lights on Main Street - under Public Safety's domain.
7. Police presence - for Executive Session discussion. Mr. Wagner mentioned that community policing does work.
8. William Penn School District liaison - President Wayne felt this was a broader issue and that education is a significant issue. He also would like a grant for wrap around services. Mr. Lee is looking into ways to change the election process of School Board members.
9. Improve relationship with Board members - this will be under the Communications committee.

Mr. Wagner's agenda additions were then discussed:

1. Develop a Standing Committee on the Arts - will be under the Economic Development Committee rather than being a separate committee. Some initiatives include active recruitment of a college devoted to fine or performing arts, establishing an Artist in Residence Program with national or international reach, working with Parks and Recreation Board to establish Public Art park and establishing an arts council in Lansdowne to seek arts funding and promote arts events.
2. Historical Archives of the Borough - will be put on the agenda.
3. Establish a Union/Wycombe Corridor neighborhood Revitalization strategy - the residential area between Baltimore Avenue and the railroad tracks needs to be addressed as well.
4. Commitment to completing South Lansdowne revitalization strategy projects requiring capital investments.

Additional agenda comments included adding a library liaison and keeping the Nominations Committee.

President Wayne indicated he would like 6 committees and/or clearly defined primary roles for each Borough Council member.

NEW BUSINESS

1. Ms. Lustgarten moved to approve bills for the period. Mr. Lee seconded and the motion carried unanimously.
2. Mr. Urban moved to enter in Landowner - Grantee Agreement with the DEP regarding the unnamed dam on Darby Creek at Hoffman Park. Mr. Wagner seconded and the motion carried unanimously.
3. Ms. Lustgarten moved to advertise for and hire a full-time Circulation Assistant for the library. This position will start at a rate of $10.50 per hour for a total of 40 hours per week, with benefits. Mr. Lee seconded and a roll call vote was taken. The motion carried unanimously.

EXECUTIVE SESSION - Mr. Wagner moved to adjourn to Executive Session. Mr. Lee seconded and meeting adjourned to executive session at 10:30 p.m.

PUBLIC SESSION - Upon reconvening to Public Session, the following motion was made:

Mr. Lee moved to cite the owner of 110 South Wycombe Avenue for property maintenance and code violations. Mr. Urban seconded and a roll call vote was taken. The motion carried 4-2. President Wayne abstained from the vote; Ms. Lustgarten and Mr. Wagner voted nay.

ADJOURN - Mr. Urban moved to adjourn the meeting seconded by Mr. Wagner. The motion carried unanimously. The meeting adjourned at 12:40 a.m.

Respectfully submitted,
 
Barbara Ann Henry
Borough Secretary